GIFT  OF 
Daniel  C.    Oilman 


CHIEF  OF  THE  PILGRIMS. 


J 


CHIEF  OF  THE  PILGRIMS 


OK 


THE  LIFE  AND  TIME 

'   U\ t c  « 

WILLIAM  BREWSTER, 


RULING  ELDER  OF  THE  PILGRIM  COMPANY  THAT  FOUNDED 

NEW  PLYMOUTH,  THE  PARENT  COLONY  OF 

NEW  ENGLAND,  IN  1620. 


BY  THE 


KEV.  ASHBEL  STEELE,  A.  M., 

WASHINGTON  CITY,   D.   C. 


faitjj  Jibe  Steel  anb  Jour  otljcr  (Engrabings. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

J.    B.    LIPPINCOTT     AKD     CO. 

1857. 


c 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1857,  by 
J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  AND  CO., 

in  the  Office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  in 
and  for  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


TO 


JAMES    BEEWSTER,  ESQ., 

OF  NE^  HAVEN,  CONN., 


BRIEF  ACKNOWLEDGMENT  OF  THE  GENEROUS  AID  RENDERED  BY  HIM, 


IS    RESPECTFULLY    DEDICATED, 


BY 


THE    AUTHOR 


AT  a  meeting  of  a  number  of  the  descendants  of  Elder 
WILLIAM  BREWSTER,  held  in  Norwich,  Connecticut,  Septem 
ber  13,  1853,  chiefly  to  take  measures  for  procuring  a  suitably 
written  life  of  that  eminent  and  revered  ancestor,  the  following 
resolution,  among  others,  was  adopted  : — 

"  Whereas  no  Biography,  containing  even  all  the  marked  incidents 
of  Elder  Brewster's  life,  has  ever  yet  been  written ;  and,  whereas, 
additional  facts  have  been  lately  brought  to  light,  and  faithful  re 
search  may  bring  forth  others,  as  materials  for  the  purpose  ;  therefore, 

Resolved.  That  JAMES  BREWSTEK,  Esq.,  New  Haven,  Conn.,  Chairman, 

WILLIAM  BREWSTER,  Esq.,  Rochester,  New  York, 

AUSTIN  BREWSTER,  Esq.,  Preston,  Conn., 

SAMUEL  C.  BREWSTER,  Esq.,  Syracuse,  New  York, 

Sir  CHRISTOPHER  S.  BREWSTER,  Paris,  France, 

(With  ten  other  gentlemen  named,  of  the  connection,) 
be  a  Committee  to  devise  a  plan,  and  provide  means  as  they  may 
deem  best  for  securing  such  Biographic  History." 

In  accordance  with  this  resolution,  arrangements  were  en 
tered  into  with  the  present  writer ;  he  having  previously  made 
preparations  for  the  work ;  while  to  the  Committee,  the  Author 
is  much  indebted  for  means  wherewith  to  extend  his  researches 
in  all  directions,  and  to  all  supposable  sources,  on  both  sides 
of  the  "  Atlantic,"  for  the  desired  information. 


Vlll 


COMMENDATORY. 

"  Whatever  skill  and  diligence  can  do  will  be  done  by  the 
Rev.  Ashbel  Steele,  to  whom  has  been  assigned  the  duty  of 
preparing  an  ample  account  of  the  Life  of  Brevvster." 

Founders  of  New  Plymouth,  p.  144.  By  Kev.  JOSEPH  HUNTER,  Fellow  of  the 
Society  of  Antiquarians,  Assistant  Keeper  of  her  Majesty's  Records,  &c. 
London,  18.34. 

From  Sir  DAVID  BREWSTER,  LL.D.,  &c.,  Scotland. 

"To  Rer.  ASHBEL  STEELE,  Washington,  D.  C.,  United  States. 

"  I  shall  look  forward  with  much  interest  to  your  Life  of 
your  distinguished  relative — the  history  of  so  interesting  a 
person  as  Elder  Brewster. 

Believe  me  to  be,  dear  sir, 

Ever  most  truly  yours,      • 

D.  BREWSTER. 

ST.  LEONARD'S  COLLEGE,  ST.  ANDREWS. 
February  4th,  1854." 


INTRODUCTION. 


SIGNIFICANT  were  the  words  of  Governor  Brad 
ford,  when,  after  more  than  thirty  years'  inter 
course  with  Elder  William  Brewster,  he  declared, 
in  his  History,  "  I  should  say  something  of  his 
life,  if  to  say  a  little  were  not  worse  than  to  be 
silent.  But  I  cannot  wholly  forbear,  though 
haply  more  may  be  done  hereafter."1 

To  say  a  little,  then,  the  governor  confesses, 
could  give  no  just  idea  of  Elder  Brewster's  varied, 
self-sacrificing,  and  not  uneventful  life ;  nor  indeed 
of  the  movements  of  the  period  with  which  he  was 
connected.  Therefore,  while  yielding  to  the  con 
straining  impulse  to  say  something  for  that  present 
purpose,  in  terms  not  to  be  mistaken  did  he 

1  Bradford's  "History   of    Ply-    chusetts   Historical   Society,  Bos- 
mouth  Plantation,"  lately  recover-    ton,  1856,  p.  409. 
ed  and  published  by  the  Massa- 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

announce  that  a  more  full  and  worthy  delineation 
of  the  character  and  deeds  of  this  noble  Christian 
pioneer  ought,  in  due  time,  to  be  given. 

That  full  and  just  delineation,  however,  did  not 
appear.  And  that  generation  passed  away,  and 
the  next ;  and  with  them  perished  valuable  letters 
and  records,  with  the  knowledge  of  many  things 
which  would  give  life  and  freshness  to  the  history. 
Still,  no  other  hand  undertook  the  task.  A  brief 
and  worthy  sketch,  indeed,  along  with  sketches  of 
other  worthies,  was  afterwards  drawn  by  the  pen 
of  Dr.  Belknap ;  yet  the  life  or  biography  proper 
was  never  written. 

The  causes  of  such  neglect  or  delay  at  the  time 
were,  doubtless,  the  cares,  labors,  and  incessant 
occupations  of  mind  and  body,  incident  to  the 
settlement  of  a  country  strange  and  new ;  where, 
in  the  presence  of  savage  foes,  the  first  means  of 
living  were  to  be  provided,  wildernesses  were  to 
be  converted  into  the  abodes  of  civilized  man, 
highways  from  settlement  to  settlement  to  be  con 
structed,  temples  for  divine  worship  to  be  reared, 
and  the  school-house  and  college  to  be  erected. 
Tradition,  too,  was  then  fresh  and  credible.  So 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

that,  while  the  narratives  of  the  deeds  and  trials 
of  their  fathers,  their  fathers'  fathers,  and  their 
fathers'  neighbors,  could,  from  memory,  be  re 
peated  at  their  labors  by  day,  and  for  entertain 
ment  at  night,  there  was  not  felt,  as  now,  the  need 
or  importance  of  the  accurately  written  personal 
histories,  even  of  those  most  distinguished.  In 
after  years,  other  causes  operated  to  deter  those 
best  qualified  from  the  undertaking. 

But  that  state  of  things  no  longer  exists.  Tra 
dition  has  long  since  become  deceptive.  The  time 
has  arrived  when,  along  with  mental  culture,  and 
more  abundant  means  and  leisure,  public  attention 
is  awakened,  and  awakening  more  and  more,  to 
subjects  of  original  inquiry.  Historic  facts  and 
incidents,  as  far  as  they  can  be  obtained,  are  now 
demanded.  Records  are  searched,  libraries  are 
ransacked,  remains  of  long  neglected,  worm-eaten 
scripts,  and  registers  in  time-honored  Bibles,  as 
well  as  oldest  cemetery  inscriptions,  are  now 
sought  for  with  an  avidity  in  this  country  before 
unknown. 

In  the  case  before  us,  the  interest  is  becoming 
equally  evident.  And,  to  meet  the  demand,. 


Xll  INTRODUCTION. 

though  parts  of  the  materials  for  such  a  life  con 
nected  with  the  time  of  Elder  Brewster  as  might 
at  first  have  been  written,  have  perished — though, 
in  addition  to  the  waste  of  so  many  years,  sad  has 
been  the  havoc  wars  have  made  with  manuscripts, 
public  and  private,  yet  the  chief  facts  were  put 
upon  record;  others,  also,  of  much  interest,  have 
been  lately  brought  to  light.  In  place  of  those 
lost,  we  have  what,  if  not  equally  life-like  and 
romantic,  are  even  more  important.  We  can  now 
trace  most  valuable  results  that  have  been  de 
veloped,  which  our  forefathers  could  not  know, 
and  most  precious  principles  that  have  been 
evolved  and  reduced  to  practice,  which  at  no 
early  period  could  have  been  so  clearly  presented, 
or,  if  presented,  would  have  been  so  generally 
appreciated. 

As,  therefore,  this  portion  of  biographic  history 
was  not  then  written,  no  period  since  could  have 
:been  so  favorable  for  its  execution  as  the  present. 

As  to  the  manner  of  its  present  execution,  the 
writer  has  felt  and  acted  on  the  principle,  that,  to 
bring  out  the  individual  character  truly  and  im 
partially,  he  must  lay  aside  prejudice,  if  he  had 


INTRODUCTION.  Xlll 

any ;  must  enter  understandingly  into  the  views  of 
the  person  or  persons  concerned;  must  examine 
candidly  their  honestly  declared  motives;  must, 
as  far  as  practicable,  place  himself  in  the  scenes, 
and  sympathize  with  them  in  the  trials  and  suffer 
ings,  which  they  passed  through,  whatever  he  may 
think  of  some  of  their  opinions.  All  this  must 
he  do  and  feel,  or  he  cannot  be  fitted  to  write  of 
them,  nor  make  allowance  for  the  infirmities  of 
even  good  men,  or  for  the  errors  and  customs  of 
the  age,  not  fitted  to  discern,  delineate,  or  even 
appreciate  the  character  of  the  fathers  of  New 
England,  or  especially  of  him  who  was  a  father  of 
those  fathers,  and  the  subject  of  this  narrative. 

For  himself  personally  would  the  writer  add, 
that,  being  connected  in  marriage  with  a  descend 
ant  of  the  Elder,2  and  being  himself  descended 
from  a  granddaughter  of  the  Pilgrim  governor, 

2  Mrs.    Clara   Brewster    Steele,  son  of  Joseph  Brewster,  of  Pres- 

by  whose  zeal  in  collecting  family  ton,  Conn.,  near  the  Thames,  son 

history,    and    at    whose    earnest  of  Jonathan  Brewster,  of  Preston, 

suggestion    this    work  was    first  Conn.,  son  of  Benjamin  Brewster, 

commenced ; — a  daughter  of  the  of  Norwich,  Conn.,  son  of  Jona- 

late    Jacob     Brewster,    Esqr.,    of  than,  the  oldest  son  of  Elder  Wm. 

Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.,  who  was  son  of  Brewster. 
Stephen  (one  of  eight  brothers), 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

Bradford,  and  having  for  years  desired  to  see  such 
a  work,  and  labored  long  to  collect  from  all 
sources,  far  and  near,  the  scattered  materials,  at 
length,  "by  loss  of  voice,  laid  aside  from  the  active 
duties  of  the  Christian  ministry,  and  called  upon 
by  many  of  the  Brewster  name  to  undertake  the 
task,  he  yielded  to  the  call,  and  the  result  is  before 
the  reader. 

The  purpose  has  been  to  present  facts,  not 
theory,  not  facts  mingled  with  philosophical  dis 
quisitions,  but  in  connected  narrative,  and  in  style 
suited  to  the  nature  of  the  work. 

And  here  would  the  writer  express  his  grateful 
acknowledgments  to  kind  friends  who  have  fa 
vored  him — 

To  Peter  Force,  Esq.,  of  Washington,  D.  C.,  for 
free  access  to  his  extensive  and  unrivalled  collec 
tions  in  the  department  of  early  American  history : 

To  Professor  Joseph  Henry,  LL.D.,  Secretary 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  Washington,  D.  C., 
for  the  use  of  valuable  sets  of  books  from  the 
library  of  that  Institution : 

To  the  librarians  of  the  State  Department  and 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

Congress  Libraries;  also  of  the  American  Anti 
quarian  Society  at  Worcester,  Massachusetts ;  of 
the  Mass.  Historical  Society,  Boston;  and  Mr. 
Moore,  librarian  of  the  New  York  Historical  So 
ciety  : 

Likewise  to  the  Rev.  Joseph  Hunter,  one  of  the 
Vice  Presidents  of  the  Society  of  Antiquarkns,  of 
London,  and  assistant  keeper  of  the  Queen's  Re 
cords;  and 

To  Cardinal  Brewster,  Esq.,  of  Halstead  Lodge, 
Halstead,  Essex,  England,  for  valuable  com 
munications,  the  results  of  long  continued  re 
searches  in  the  Fatherland. 

Also  to  all  those  other  kind  friends  who  have 
made  valuable  suggestions  in  reference  to  the 
work. 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  June,  1S5T. 


CONTENTS. 


Page 
ACTION  OF  BREWSTER  MEETING        .......      vii 

PREFATORY  INTRODUCTION ix 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS        .........     xiv 

CHAPTER    I. 

1560—1584. 

Great  results  from  small  beginnings ;  great  principles  wrought 

out  amid  stern  conflicts        .......  33 

Ancient  Brewster  families  .......  36 

William  Brewster's  probable  relationship    .....  38 

Time  of  his  birth 39 

His  education  before  entering,  and  while  at,  the  university         .  40 
His  entrance  into  court  life  in  the  service  of  the  Ambassador 

Davison 42 

CHAPTER   II. 

1584—1585. 

Time  of  Brewster's  entering  the  service  of  Mr.  Davison      .         .  43 
Davison's  mission  to  the  Netherlands  in  1584 ;  Brewster  probably 

accompanies  him.     State  of  Western  Europe  at  this  time    .  44 

Causes  and  character  of  the  mission  ......  47 

CHAPTER   III. 

1585. 

"  The  Court" 51 

Brewster's  position  at  court          .......       53 

Deputation  from  the  Low  Countries  to  England  ....       54 

Negotiations,  treaty,  and  Davison's  embassy  to  Holland  in  1585        55 
Brewster  attends  him  .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .56 

2 


XV111  CONTENTS. 

Page 
Difficulties  in  the  embassy  met  and  overcome     .        .         .        .57 

Mr.  Davison  takes  command  of  the  cautionary  towns          .         .  58 
The  ceremony  at  Flushing           .         .         .         .         .         .         .59 

The  keys  of  Flushing  committed  to  Brewster        .         .         .         .59 

Sir  Philip  Sidney's  appointment  as  governor        ....  60 

Diplomatic  school  for  Brewster  .         .         .         .         .         .         .61 

CHAPTER   IV. 

1585. 

The  Earl  of  Leicester  sets  out  for  Holland  .         .         .  62 

His  reception  and  entertainment  at  Flushing      ....  63 

At  Middleburg 64 

At  Dort,  Rotterdam,  Delft,  and  the  Hague  .         .         .         .         .66 

The  ambassador's  position  and  duties ;  also  Brewster's        .         .  67 

The  earl  accepts  the  vice-royalty         ......  70 

The  ambassador's  and  Brewster's  return  to  England.     The  gold 

chain  ...........  71 

Stern  conflict  of  opinions  at  the  court  of  Elizabeth     ...  72 

Brewster  continues  with  Mr.  Davison           .....  74 

CHAPTER   V. 

1586. 

Davison  Secretary  of  State.     Duties  of  secretaries     ...  75 

Brewster's  position  under  him    .......  77 

Qualifications,  character,  and  confidential  services  of  Brewster  .  78 

Critical  condition  of  the  Queen  and  the  kingdom        ...  79 

Davison's  duties  ;  Brewster's  implied          .....  80 

Brewster's  associates,  George  Cranmer  and  Edwin  Sandys ;  their 

characters 81 

CHAPTER   VI. 

1586—1587. 

The  spirit  pervading  the  secretary's  office  ;  influence  for  good  .  85 
Davison  on  the  commission  (but  not  present),  for  the  trial  of  the 

Queen  of  Scots 87 

Receives  the  warrant  for  her  execution  ;  Elizabeth's  state  policy 

in  the  case 88 

Queen  of  Scots  executed.  Davison  fined  and  committed  to  the 

Tower 91 

The  effect  on  Brewster 92 


CONTENTS.  XIX 

CHAPTER   VII. 

1587. 

Page 
Brewster's  continuance  with,  and  kind  attentions  to,  the  fallen 

secretary 93 

The  powerful  influence  brought  to  bear  for  Davison's  release  and 

restoration  by  Burleigh,  Earl  of  Essex,  and  others  .  .  95 
Queen's  final  refusal ;  high  testimony  to  Davison's  ability  and 

character     ..........       97 

Brewster  leaves  the  metropolis 99 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

1588—1590. 

The  place  to  which  Brewster  retired   ......  100 

Brewster  at  Scrooby,  in  Nottinghamshire    .....  103 

Historical  reminiscences  of  Scrooby  and  Scrooby  Manor     .         .  104 

Description  of  the  locality  by  a  modern  tourist  ....  107 

CHAPTER   IX. 

1590—1606. 

Brewster's  exertions  for  the  promotion  of  religion  in  Scrooby 

and  its  neighborhood  ........     109 

Archbishop  Sandy's  statement    .         .         .         .         .         .         .110 

A  Rev.  James  Brewster,  and  an  older  Wm.  Brewster,  and  other 

ministers  at  and  near  Scrooby      ......     Ill 

Richard  Barnard ;  John  Smith  or  Smythe  .         ....     113 

Brewster's  secular  employment ;  his  marriage    ....     115 

Origin  of  the  postal  system  in  England        .         .         .         .         .110 

Length  of  his  official  terms ;  salaries  .         .         .         .         .117 

Continued  development  of  character  .         .         .         .         .         .118 

CHAPTER   X. 

1559—1606. 

Controversies  respecting  ceremonies  in  the  National  Church       .     119 
Difficulties  attending  further  reforms  .....     121 

Propositions  debated  in  the  convocation  of  the  clergy  in  1562     .     122 
Queen's  opposition  to  further  reforms  .         .         .         .         .123 

Also  to  the  so-termed  prophesyings     .         .         .         .         .         .124 

Action  of  the  High  Commission  Court  respecting  non-conformists     125 


XX  CONTENTS. 

Page 

Intolerance  of  both,  parties  in  the  contest ;  some  redeeming  ex 
ceptions       ..........     126 

Elizabeth's  sense  of  right  when  unprejudiced     ....     131 

CHAPTER    XI. 

1603—1607. 

The  controversy  under  James  I.  of  England,  and  his  treatment 

of  the  non-conformists          .......  132 

His  outrage  on  civil  rights,  and  its  consequences         .         .         .  133 

Additional  elements  in  the  controversy        .....  134 

Chief  Justice  Coke's  action  respecting    the  High  Commission 

Court 135 

William  Brewster  leaves  the  national  church.      ....  136 

Justice  to  the  present  Church  of  England  (note,  137)  .         .  138 

CHAPTER    XII. 

1606—1608. 

Brewster,  and  the  organization  of  the  Scrooby  separation     .         .  139 

The  time  of  his  joining  them  defined  .         .....  140 

Clifton  their  first  pastor  ;  oppressive  treatment ;  Brewster's  effi 
cient  aid       ..........  142 

To  escape  from  oppression  they  resolve  to  cross  to  the  Nether 
lands  143 

Their  first  effort   to  remove  ;    disappointment ;    betrayal ;    im 
prisonment  ..........  144 

Second  effort  ;  painful  separation  of  the  company       .         .         .  146 

Tempestuous  passage  to  Holland         ......  147 

Distress  of  those  left  behind,  and   their  cause  thereby  made 

known          ..........  148 

All  at  length  meet  in  Amsterdam 149 

CHAPTER    XIII. 

1608. 

Amsterdam  and  the  condition  of  the  emigrants  there  .         .         .     150 
Unexpected  difficulties  occasion  their  removal  thence  to  Leyden     152 
Leyden  and  its  environs      .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .153 

Its  University  ;  condition  of  this  people  in  Leyden     .         .         .     155 
Mr.  Robinson  recognized  as  their  pastor,  and  Mr.  Brewster  chosen 

ruling  elder          .........     156 


CONTENTS.  XXI 

Page 
His  temporal  condition  ;  instructs  students  of  the  University  in 

English 157 

The  condition  and  number  of  their  congregation         .         .         .     159 

CHAPTER    XIV. 

1609—1618. 

State  of  religious  toleration  in  Holland  .  .  .  .  .160 
Condition  of  our  emigrant  company  in  this  respect  .  .  .162 
The  Arminian  and  Calvinistic  controversy  .  .  .  .163 

Mr.  Robinson,  pastor  of  the  emigrant  company,  takes  part  in  it, 

in  the  University         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .165 

The  Synod  of  Dort 166 

Its  condemnation  of  the  Arminians     .         .         .         .         .         .167 

King  James  sent  a  delegation  to  it       .         .         .         .         .         .168 

The  Leyden  Company  interested  in  its  proceedings  .  .  .169 
The  persecuting  spirit  not  universal  in  Holland .  .  .  .169 

CHAPTER    XV. 

,       1615—1618. 

Brews ter  engaged  in  publishing  .         .         .         .         .         .         .171 

The  principal  works  published  by  him        .         .         .         .         .172 

Efforts  of  King  James,  through  his  ambassador,  to  suppress  these 

publications,  and  arrest  Brewster          .         .         .         .         .175 

Brewster's  visit  to  England 177 

Troubles  of  Mr.  Brewer,  coadjutor  and  friend  of  Brewster   .         .     178 
Arbitrary  attempts  to  control  the  press ;  its  futility ;  free  dis 
cussion ;  mightiness  of  truth        ......     179 

CHAPTER    XVI. 

1617—1619. 

Elder  Brewster's  object  in  visiting  England         .         .  .  .181 

Particular  reasons  why  the  company  leave  Holland    .  .  .182 

Objections  to  leaving  Holland  considered  and  answered  .  .185 

The  question  agitated — to  what  country  they  shall  go  .  .     187 

They  apply  to  the  Virginia  Company  for  a  grant          .  .  .189 

King  James'  answer    .         .         .         .         .         .         .  .  .190 

Letter  of  Sir  Edwin  Sandys  to  Robinson  and  Brewster  .  .191 

Their  reply,  specifying   their  condition,  and  their  purpose  in 

founding  a  new  colony          .         .         .         .         .  .  .192 


XX11  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    XVII. 

1619— 1620. 

Page 
Difficulties  which  the  pilgrim  company's  agents  met  with  in 

England,  in  respect  to  their  proposed  enterprise  .         .         .196 
Robinson's  and  Brewster's  letter  to  friends  in  London  on  the 

subject 197 

Statement  of  their  church  organization  and  usages,  furnished  for 

the  Privy  Council 198-9 

Perplexed  affairs  of  the  Virginia  Company  .....     200 
Brewster  goes  to  London  to  negotiate  with  that  company   .         .     201 

The  patent  obtained 202 

The  Leyden  Company  make  arrangements  to  go  and  commence 

a  colony  in  North  Virginia  .......     203 

They  enter  into  an  engagement  with  the  merchant  adventurers  .     204 
New  perplexities         .........     205 

Preparations  for  departure  ;  terms  of  agreement          .         .         .     206 
"Winslow's  report  of  Robinson's  address  as  they  are  about  to 

leave  Leyden 208 

CHAPTER    XVIII. 
1620. 

The  farewell  feast  at  Leyden  on  the  eve  of  departure  .         .         .211 
The  term  "  pilgrims"  applied  to  themselves         .         .         .         .212 

Entertainment  at  Delft  Haven     .         .         .         .         .         .         .213 

Embarkation  on  board  the  Speedwell ......     214 

Brewster — life's  changes  ;  quick  passage  to  England  .         .         .216 

CHAPTER    XIX. 

1620. 

The  Speedwell  and  Mayflower  with  the  emigrants  at  Southampton  218 
All  prepared,  these  vessels  set  sail  for  North  America          .         .219 
Twice  forced  to  put  back  on  account  of  the  Speedwell's  disability ; 
they  dismiss  her,  and  the  main  body  proceed  in  the  May 
flower  220 

Incidents  of  the  voyage       ........  221 

They  arrive  at  Cape  Cod 223 

Prevented  from  going  to  North  Virginia       .....  224 

The  compact  on  board  the  Mayflower,  in  the  harbor  of  Cape  Cod  225 


CONTENTS.  XX111 

CHAPTER    XX. 

1620. 

Page 

At  Cape  Cod,  Saturday,  Nov.  11,  examining  party  sent  on  shore  228 

Their  first  Sabbath  in  the  New  World 229 

The  discomforts  and  discouraging  prospects  of  the  pilgrim  com 
pany    230 

Their  first  week's  labors,  and  first  exploring  parties  and  their 

discoveries 231 

The  second  and  third  week,  and  second  exploring  party      .         .  232 

Exposures ;  discoveries  ;  incidents      ......  233 

Fourth  week  at  the  cape  ;  third  exploring  expedition          .         .  235 

Attacked  by  the  Indians ;  or,  first  encounter       ....  236 

Proceeding  in  their  exploration,  find  the  harbor  of  New  Ply 
mouth  ;  perils      ...         ......  237 

Find  shelter  near,  and  on  Clark's  Island  ;  fifth  Sabbath     .         .  238 

CHAPTER    XXI. 
1620—1621. 

Dec.  11,  0.  S.,  21,  N.  S.,  last  exploring  party  land  on  the  main 

shore  ;  examine  for  a  place  of  settlement ;  return  to  the  cape  240 

Incidents  ;  weigh  anchor  ;  arrive  in  the  new  found  harbor          .  241 

Sixth  Sabbath  past ;  explore  for  a  place  of  settlement          .         .  242 

Location  selected         .........  243 

Resolved  to  build ;    storms  intervene  ;    at   length  at  work  in 

earnest 244 

Alarms;  deprivations;  divided  into  families      .         .         .         .2^5 

Each  erect  their  own  dwelling  ;  the  Elder  not  excepted       .         .  246 

Hardships  and  exposures  ;  sickness  succeeds      ....  247 
Rapid  increase  in  number  of  deaths  ;  notice  of  the  number ;  the 

Elder's  position,  attentions,  and  anxieties     ....  248 

What  in  this  extremity  of  trial  must  have  been  his  reflections  .  249 

CHAPTER    XXII. 
1621. 

Progress  in  building  amidst  all  bereavements  and  hindrances     .  253 
Intercourse  with  the  natives       .         .         .         .         .         .         .255 

Mystery  solved  .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .256 

Visit  from  Samoset ;  important  information         .         .         .         .257 

Visit  of  King  Massasoit 260 


XXIV  CONTENTS. 

Page 

Ceremonies,  and  conclusion  of  a  treaty 261 

Appearance,  dress,  characteristics  of  the  Indians  matters  of  deep 

interest  to  the  pilgrim  company  ......     262 

CHAPTER    XXIII. 
1621. 

Tisquantum  and  Hobbamock,  friends  and  interpreters         .         .     265 
Embassies  to  the  neighboring  Indians          .....     266 
Conspiracy  against  their  friends  and  King  Massasoit ;  armed  ex 
pedition  in  their  defence 266-7 

Peaceful  results  .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .268 

Autumn  advanced  ;  first  summer's  provision  gathered  ;  the  first 

thanksgiving  day  appointed          .         .         .         .         .         .     269 

Entertain  their  Indian  friends     .......     270 

CHAPTER    XXIV. 
1621—1622. 

Arrival  of  the  ship  Fortune  ;   thirty-five  of  their  Leyden   and 

other  friends,  and  the  Elder's  eldest  son,  passengers     .         .  272 

Inadequate  supply  of  provisions  for  them  all       ....  273 

The  colony  threatened  by  the  Narragansetts        ....  274 

Preparation  for  defence  ;  erection  of  bulwarks,  &c.      .         .         .  275 

Approach  of  famine     .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .276 

In  extremity       ..........  277 

Indians  less  friendly  .........  278 

Erection  of  their  fort  on  Fort  Hill ;  visit  from  the  Weston  colonists  270 

Visited  by  an  exploring  vessel ;  some  relief        ....  280 

CHAPTER    XXV. 
1623. 

Third  year  ;  stirring  incidents     .......     282 

Bad  conduct  of  the  Weston  colonists  ......     283 

Sickness  of  Massasoit ;  Winslow  visits  him         ....     284 

Administers  to  his  relief     ........     285 

Massasoit's  revelation  of  a  leagued  conspiracy    .         .         .         .286 

Determination  of  a  council  of  the  Plymouth  colonists  on  this 

startling  intelligence    ........     287 

Captain  Standish  dispatched  with  men ;  the  chief  conspirators 

put  to  death  ;  views  of  this  responsible  movement       .         .289 


CONTENTS.  XXV 

Page 
A  distressing  drought,  this  third  summer  of  their  settlement, 

occasions  another  extremity          ......     291 

A  day  of  fasting  and  supplication 293-4 

Merciful  deliverance  ;  refreshing  showers  ;  revival  of  the  parched 

corn 295 

A  day  of  thanksgiving 296 

Arrival  of  the  "  Ann  and  Little  James,"  bringing  other  connec 
tions  and  friends ;  their  welcome  .  .  .  .  .297 

CHAPTER    XXVI. 
1624. 

Letter  from  Mr.  Robinson  to  Elder  Brewster  respecting  the  ad 
ministering  of  the  sacraments  ......  300 

The  Elder's  official  duties  specified  ;  his  manner  of  performing 

them  ;  their  results  ;  official  costume  ....  303-4 

Mr.  Lyford  sent  over  to  officiate  as  minister  at  New  Plymouth, 

and  his  reception  ........  305 

His  deceptive  course  causing  excitement ;  judgment  passed  on 

him  here  and  in  England  .......  306 

Testimony  to  the  Elder's  abilities,  learning,  and  faithfulness       .     307 

Election  of  governor  with  assistants  ;  introduction  of  neat  kine ; 

grant  to  each  of  the  colony  one  acre  of  land  .  .  .  308 

Marriage  in  the  Elder's  family  ;  condition  of  the  colony      .         .     309 

CHAPTER   XXVII. 

1625— 1C26. 

State  of  affairs  within  the  colony  favorable  ;  but  between  the 

colony  and  the  merchant  adventurers  extremely  unfavorable  311 

Great  efforts  to  meet  their  obligations 312 

Loss  of  a  valuable  cargo  captured  by  the  Turks  ;  increase  in 

their  church  ;  marriage  of  the  Elder's  second  daughter  .  31 3 

A.  D.  1626.  Unexpected  news  of  the  death  of  their  pastor  in 

Holland 314 

His  character ;  his  and  Elder  Brewster's  views  in  relation  to  the 
Church  of  England,  and  of  others  that  separated,  as  written 
by  their  own  hands 315-20 

Death  of  James  the  First ;  loyalty  of  the  pilgrim  leaders    .         .     321 

Review  of  some  of  the  king's  acts  in  which  Brewster  and  the 

colonists  had  been  interested  ......  323 

Crisis  in  the  affairs  of  the  colony         .         .         .         .         .         .326 


XXVI  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

1627. 

Page 
Dissolution  of  the  company  of  London  adventurers  ;  the  colonists' 

plan  of  making  payments    .......  328 

Happy  results  ;  new  division  of  land 330 

Death  of  Mrs.  Brewster 331 

Friendly  letters,  &c.,  from  the  Dutch  colony  of  New  Amsterdam  332 

Establishment  of  a  trading  post  at  Manomet       ....  333 

"  Sewan"  or  "  Wampum,"  the  Indian  currency  ....  334 

Another  trading  post  on  the  Kennebec  River       ....  335 
Plan  to  meet  expenses  of  bringing  over  friends  still  remaining  in 

Holland 336 

Visit  of  De  Rasieres  from  the  colony  of  New  Amsterdam    .         .  337 

His  description  of  the  Plymouth  settlement         ....  338 

Of  their  manner  of  assembling  for  worship         ....  341 

CHAPTER   XXIX. 
1629. 

Arrival  of  Mr.  Smith,  the  first  regular  minister,  at  Plymouth      .  343 

Notice  of  the  Virginia  colony  and  other  colonies          .         .         .  344 

First  English  poem  in  America,  written  by  George  Sandys  .         .  346 

Growing  agitations  in  England  cause  further  emigration     .         .  348 

Settling  of  the  Massachusetts  colony 349 

Wrestling  Brewster  ;  seeming  evidence  of  his  marriage  and  resi 
dence  in  the  new  settlement  of  Portsmouth,  N.  H.  .  350 

CHAPTER   XXX. 

1632—1633. 

Enlargement  of  the  Plymouth  colony          .....     352 
Settlement  of  Duxbury 353 

New  congregation  organized  ;  the  Elder  partially  located  there  .     354 
Governor  Winthrop's  visit  to  Plymouth ;  his  description  of  their 
mode  of  worship  ;   administration  of  the  Sacrament ;  pro 
phesying  or  explaining  of  Scripture     .         .         .         .         .355 

Difficulties  on  the  northern  border  with  the  French    .         .         .     357 
Occurrences  in  Europe         .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .358 

Death  of  the  Elder's  daughter,  Mrs.  Allerton  ;  agitation  regard 
ing  Roger  Williams  ;  remark  on  the  rights  of  every  organized 
body 361 


CONTENTS.  XXV11 

CHAPTER    XXXI. 

1634—1636. 

Page 

Marriage  of  the  Elder's  son  Love 364 

Death  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Prince     ......  365 

Fao-simile  of  his  name  with  a  scriptural  sentence       .         .         .  366 
Brewster's  continued  mental  vigor  and  occupations  at  this  period  ; 

one  of  the  committee  for  providing  a  code  of  laws        .         .  367 

The  mode  of  government  up  to  this  time 368 

Duties  of  magistrates,  and  privileges  of  the  people     .         .         .  370 

CHAPTER    XXXII. 
1636—1643. 

Further  notice  of  the  Elder's  three  sons,  Jonathan,  Love,  and 

Wrestling 372-3 

The  Elder's  literary  associates,  Rev.  Messrs.  Williams,  Raynor, 

Norton,  Dr.  Chauncey,  Bradford,  Winslow,  &c.     .         .          374-5 
The  character  of  his  library        .         .         .         .         .         •         .376 

The  large  works  specified   .......          377-8 

State  of  the  English  mind  ;  English  literature  ;  Bacon        .        379-80 

CHAPTER   XXXIII. 

The  last  days  of  Elder  Brewster          ......  381 

Results  of  what  he  had  witnessed,  especially  in  this  colony        •  382 
His  closing  hours,  as  given  by  one  present           .         .         .          383-4 

The  place,  the  scenery,  and  the  associations        ....  385 

The  burial 388 

Assembly  at  the  house  of  the  governor  in  reference  to  the  peace 
ful  settlement  of  his  estate 389 

CHAPTER   XXXIV. 

Brief  retrospect,  or  marked  development    .....     390 

Marked  Providences  alluded  to  ;  precise  period  of  the  pilgrim 

movement    ..........     391 

The  great  purpose  of  the  enterprise  and  developments         .          392-3 
Not  the  individual  merely,  but  the  germ  of  a  nation  ;  the  chief 
purpose,  the  founding  of  their  church  views  and  order,  un 
disturbed     394 

The  tribute  due  to  them  for  their  earnest,  devoted,  not  faultless, 

but  sincere,  heroic  efforts     ......          395-6 


XXV111  CONTENTS. 

Page 
The  development  of  principles,  institutions,  the  marked  features 

of  a  new  people    .........     397 

The  prestige  of  New  Plymouth  ;  the  interest  therein  imperishable     398 


APPENDIX    I. 

Names  of  the  passengers  who  came  in  the  Mayflower  in  1620, 

with  some  brief  incidents    .......     401 

APPENDIX    II. 

Names  of  those  who  came  in  the  Fortune  in  1621,  with  informa 
tion  preserved  respecting  some  of  them        ....     407 

APPENDIX    III. 
List  of  those  who  came  in  the  Ann  and  the  Little  James  in  1623     408 

APPENDIX    IV. 
Families  and  names  of  members  of  the  colony  in  1627       .         .410 

APPENDIX    V. 

Extracts  from  Webster  in  reference  to  the  Mayflower  and  Elder 

Brewster      .........          ,     415 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Page 

1.  EMBARKATION  OP  THE  PlLGRIMS,  ENGRAVED  FROM  WlER'g  PAINTING  | 

AT  THE  NATIONAL  CAPITOL,  D.  C.     EXPLANATION,  SEE  PAGE  215.  -f 

2.  WRENTUAM  HALL,  ENGLAND     .......  37 

3.  COAT  ARMOR 38 

4.  VIEW  OF  SCROOBY,  NOTTINGHAMSHIRE,  ENGLAND          .         .         .  107 

5.  VIEW  OF  LEYDEN,  HOLLAND 154 

6.  DELFT  HAVEN 213 

7.  BAY  AND  HARBOR  OF  NEW  PLYMOUTH,  NEW  ENGLAND          .         .  241 

8.  VIEW  FROM  PLYMOUTH  BURIAL  HILL 340 

9.  VIEW  OF  THE  OLD  BREWSTER  PLACE,  NEAR  PLYMOUTH,  TAKEN  FROM 

CAPTAIN'S  HILL 387 


ELDER    BREWSTER. 


LIFE  AATD  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER, 


CHAPTER   I. 

He  that  of  greatest  works  is  finisher, 
Oft  does  them  by  the  weakest  minister  : 

Great  floods  have  flown 
From  simple  sources.  SHAKSPEARE. 

FROM  smallest  beginnings,  which  appear  to  most 
men  at  the  time  unworthy  of  notice,  often  issue 
the  most  important  results.  Some  most  precious 
principles,  which  now  guide  communities  and 
governments,  have  had  this  origin.  And  in  the 
history  of  fallible  men,  the  progress  of  these  prin 
ciples  is  shown  to  have  been  often  marked  by  the 
fiercest  struggles  and  contests  of  the  age ;  while 
yet  in  another  age  the  descendants  of  the  contend 
ing  parties  have  united  in  their  adoption. 

In  these  struggles  and  conflicts,  the  resistance 
of  those  in  power  has  generally  issued  in  acts  of 
violence  and  tyranny ;  and  the  assaults  of  the 
weaker  as  they  grew  stronger  have  led  to  rebellion 
or  bloody  revolution.  In  these  ways,  and  at  this 
dear  rate,  has  much  of  man's  wisdom  been  learned. 

3 


34  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

When  Elizabeth,  in  all  the  conservative  pride 
of  prerogative  which  marked"  the  race  of  the 
Tudors,  sternly  rejected  further  reforms  in  some 
rites  and  ceremonies  in  the  Chnrch  of  England, 
and  adopted  the  policy  which  her  successor, 
James,  endeavored  to  follow,  she  little  imagined 
what  would  be  the  contest  then  begun  ;  a  contest 
that  was  to  carry  one  king  from  his  throne  to  the 
block,  and  send  another  to  live  in  exile ; — a  con 
test  which  was  to  result  in  the  establishment  of 
broad  popular  principles  in  her  own  kingdom,  and 
to  plant  on  this  distant  continent  a  hardy  race, 
whose  claims  of  legalized  liberty  would  at  length 
be  satisfied  only  with  a  republican  form  of  govern 
ment,  and  the  right  to  worship  God  in  such  order 
as  they  alone  should  choose. 

Yet  we  live  at  a  time  when  we  can  look  back 
with  some  degree  of  calmness  upon  the  contest 
and  the  results.  The  age  of  Elizabeth  and  James, 
of  Cartwright  and  Hooker,  of  Laud  and  Baxter, 
with  that  of  Charles  and  Cromwell,  has  passed 
away,  and  with  it,  for  the  most  part,  the  bitter 
ness  of  the  contest. 

And  we  claim,  now,  since  the  tempest  is  over, 
and  the  sympathizers  with  each  party  are  living 
peaceably  together  under  good  governments,  that 
we  can  begin  to  estimate  justly  the  sincerity  and 
zeal,  the  heroic  endurance  and  chivalrous  course, 
then  manifested  as  traits  of  our  common  ancestry. 

Great  principles  were  indeed  at  stake.  We 
speak  not  here  of  the  right  or  the  wrong  at  the 


CANDID  VIEW  OF  THE  TIME.  35 

first,  or  of  the  right  or  the  wrong  in  the  sanguin 
ary  revolution  that  followed,  or  in  the  counter 
revolution.  We  ascribe  not  to  the  acts  of  any 
one  party  all  the  peculiar  blessings  since  enjoyed. 
We  notice  not  the  faults  of  one  side  only.  But 
we  speak  historically  of  the  facts.  And  we  trace 
with  deepest  reverence  the  marks  of  an  Overrul 
ing  Hand  in  'bringing  good  out  of  evil,  while  we 
deeply  regret  the  mistakes,  the  bitterness,  the  mis 
deeds  of  men  as  earnest,  as  zealous,  as  courageous 
as  the  world  ever  saw.  And  we  speak  thus  in 
reference  to  another  fact :  that,  among  the  persons 
early  and  deeply  affected  by  the  contest,  was  an 
individual,  then  unknown  to  fame,  yet  destined  to 
lead  that  band,  which,  in  the  New  World,  and  on 
the  shore  of  New  England,  was  to  lay  one  of  the 
foundations  for  these  mighty  results.  That  indi 
vidual  was  Elder  William  Brewster,  the  subject  of 
this  narrative. 

"  This  William  Brewster,"  says  an  English  anti 
quarian,  "was  the  most  eminent  person  in  the 
movement,  and  who,  if  that  honor  is  to  be  given 
to  any  single  person,  must  be  regarded  as  the 
Father  of  New  England."  "And  independently  of 
this  movement,  there  is  enough  in  the  connections 
which  he  had  formed  in  England  to  make  him  an 
object  of  interest."1 

1  Rev.  Joseph  Hunter,  Fellow  of  author  of  Collections   concerning 

the    Society    of    Antiquarians   of  the  Founders  of  New  Plymouth ; 

London,   &c.,   and    of  the   Mass,  also    Mass.  Hist.    Coll.,  4    series, 

Hist.  Society,   and   an  Assistant  vol.  1st,  64,  65. 
Keeper  of  Her  Majesty's  Records ; 


36  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Of  the  immediate  parentage  of  William  Brew- 
ster  no  satisfactory  information  has  been  preserved, 
though  there  are  grounds  for  very  probable  con 
jecture. 

Among  the  old  English  families  inhabiting  the 
northeastern  parts  of  Suffolk  County,  and  the  ad 
joining  parts  of  Norfolk,  on  the  eastern  coast  of 
England,  were  the  ancient  Brewster  family  and 
their  connections  located,  ranking  among  the  early 
"  English  Landed  Gentry."  As  early  as  the  forty- 
eighth  year  of  Edward  the  Third,  or  in  the  year 
1375,  John  Brewster  was  witness  to  a  deed  in  the 
Parish  of  Henstead,  in  Suffolk,  and  not  long  after, 
in  the  reign  of  Richard  the  Second,  a  John  Brew 
ster  was  presented  to  the  Rectory  of  Godwich,  in 
the  county  of  Norfolk.  In  the  list  of  the  gentry 
of  Norfolk,  returned  to  Henry  the  Sixth,  was  Gal- 
fridus  Brewster;  and  the  Norfolk  branch  became 
connected  by  marriage  with  the  distinguished 
Houses  of  De  Narburgh,  Spelman,  Gleane,  and 
Coke,  of  Holkham.  But  in  the  county  of  Suffolk, 
we  find,  further,  that  Robert  Brewster,  of  Mutford, 
possessed  also  lands  in  Henstead,  and  that  Wm. 
Brewster,  of  Henstead,  and  Robert  Brewster,  of 
Rushmere,  died  possessed  of  these  estates,  prior 
to  the  year  1482.  This  Robert  had  married  the 
daughter  and  co-heiress  of  Sir  Christopher  Ed 
monds. 

Not  fifty  years  after,  Humphrey  Brewster,  of 
this  connection,  purchased  the  Manor  and  Liv 
ing  of  Wrentham,  not  far  distant,  and  in  1550, 


ANCIENT  BREWSTER  FAMILY.  37 

built  Wrentham  Hall,  where  his  descendants  con 
tinued  to  reside  until  1810,  when  this  venerable 
mansion  was  taken  down,  and  the  estate  sold ;  the 
income  of  the  proprietors  being  derived  from  more 
than  twenty  parishes  in  the  two  counties. 

To  this  family  belonged  the  lordship  of  the  Ma 
nors  of  Wrentham  and  the  advowsons  of  the  parish 
church.  In  this  parish  church  repose  the  remains 
of  Humphrey  Brewster,  over  which  was  placed  a 
monument  to  his  memory  on  his  death,  in  1593, 
with  an  effigy  in  brass,  retained  therein  to  this 
day.2 

From  this  Suffolk  connection,  a  branch  became 
established  at  Castle  Hedingham,  in  Essex,  near 
the  time  with  that  at  Wrentham,  and  formed  con 
nections  with  the  knightly  families  of  Corbel,  Clop- 
ton,  Seckford,  Quarles,  Wentworth,  of  Nettleshurd 
Hall,  and  others  of  similar  rank.  In  this  vicinity, 
have  descendants  of  this  branch  continued  to  re- 


2  English  paraphrase  of  an  old  Latin  inscription  to  the  memory  of 
Humphrey  Brewster : — 

"  Sculptor,  why  gravest  thou  marbles,  or  why  rear 
Thy  useless  structures  to  his  memory  here  ? 
Hath  he  not  made  himself  a  monument 
More  lasting  far  than  brass  or  adamant  ? 
This  house,  his  gift,  where  through  the  coming  years 
The  word  of  God  shall  bless  his  people's  ears, 
This  temple  for  a  sepulchre  he  hath, 
And  holy  prayers  shall  be  his  epitaph. 
Wouldst  thou  aught  else  to  represent  his  fame  ? 
Take  the  strange  bird,  that  from  his  funeral  flame, 
With  life  and  youth  renewed,  is  said  to  fly, 
For  emblem  of  its  immortality." 


38 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


side,  and  the  name  of  William  generally  kept  up, 

to  the  present  time,  now  more    than  300  years. 

Of  it  is  the  present  Cardinal  Brewster,  Esq.,  of 

Halstead,  Essex.3 

Both  the  Wren- 
tham  and  Heding- 
ham  branches  were 
families  of  the  same 
coat-armor,  bearing 
a  chevron  ermine 


Argent 


•Sable  — 


Ermine 


between  three  silver 
etoiles,  on  a  sable 
field,  viz:  stars  break 
ing  through  the 
darkness  of  night. 

That  our  William  Brewster  was  most  probably 
of  this  connection,  seems  to  be  indicated  by  the 
fact  that  an  old  copy  of  the  same  coat-of-arms  (and 
it  appears  to  be  a  very  old  copy)  has  been  preserved 
from  time  immemorial  in  one  branch  of  the  Brew 
ster  family  in  this  country.4  Other  indications,  in 
addition  to  something  of  tradition,  favoring  the 


3  Burke's  Landed  Gentry  of 
England  and  Ireland, 2  vols., Lon 
don.  Articles,  Brewsters  of  Wren- 
tham  and  Hedingham,  and  Sup 
plement,  Corrigenda,  &c.  Also 
communications  of  Cardinal  Brew 
ster,  Halstead  Lodge,  Halstead, 
confirmatory  of  the  foregoing  state 
ments,  and  containing  many  inte 


resting  particulars  of  the  Brewsters 
of  England. 

4  This  old  copy  of  said  coat-of- 
arms  is  now  in  the  possession  of 
Dr.  George  G.  Brewster,  Ports 
mouth,  New  Hampshire,  U.  S., 
who  has  also  furnished  particulars 
respecting  his  branch  of  the 
family,  from  the  year  1629. 


HIS  CONNECTIONS  AND  BIRTH.  39 

idea  of  this  relationship,  will  be  noticed  in  the 
course  of  this  narrative. 

Of  other  branches  of  the  original  family,  one 
was  settled  in  Barking,  Essex  County,  and  pos 
sessed  the  manors  of  Withfield  and  Condovers ; 
one  settled  in  Lincolnshire,  about  the  year  1560; 
one  in  Kent,  in  the  time  of  Elizabeth,  and  owned 
lands  in  Luddenham,  Linstead,  Linham,  and  other 
parishes. 

Of  the  original  stock,  it  is  highly  probable,  was 
the  Scottish  branch,  of  which  is  that  distinguished 
philosopher,  Sir  David  Brewster.  And  such  was 
probably  the  case  in  respect  to  Sir  Francis  Brew 
ster,  Lord-Mayor  of  Dublin.5 

But  that  "other  branch,"  with  which  we  are 
now  concerned,  "was  established,"  says  Burke, 
"in  the  United  States  of  America  by  William 
Brewster,  the  ruling  Elder  and  spiritual  guide  of 
the  Pilgrim  Fathers,  who,  in  1620,  went  out  to 
America,  and  were  founders  of  New  England." 

From  the  summary  thus  presented,  of  the 
principal  connections  of  the  Brewster  name  at 
that  early  period,  we  pass  to  the  chief  subject  of 
our  history. 

William  Brewster,  called  also  subsequently 
Elder  William,  was  born,  according  to  the  most 
reliable  records  and  dates,  about  the  year  1560,  a 


5  Tliurloe's  State  Papers  and  Wliitlaw's   Dublin,  vol.  ii.,  Appen 
dix. 


40  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

little  more  than  a  year  after  Elizabeth  came  to 
the  throne.6 

Of  the  place  of  his  nativity,  no  record  has  been 
discovered.  And  respecting  his  education,  very 
brief,  indeed,  is  the  statement  preserved ;  but, 
though  brief,  it  is  clear  and  explicit.  First  was 
his  preparation  for  the  University;  though  at 
what  school,  or  under  what  masters,  is  not 
specified.  Yet  among  his  preparatory  "  attain 
ments,"  were  "  the  knowledge  of  the  Latin  tongue, 
and  some  insight  into  the  Greek."7  And  his 
knowledge  of  the  Latin,  as  the  term  was  then 
understood,  was  the  being  able  not  only  to  read 
and  write  that  language,  but  to  speak  it  readily, 
and  even  more  grammatically,  than  the  then 
native  English. 

Of  Brewster's  mastery  of  Latin  in  all  these 
particulars,  we  have  full  evidence  in  his  ready 
use  of  it  afterwards  in  Holland,  as  well  as  from 
the  character,  and  large  number  of  Latin  works 
retained  to  the  last  in  his  library.  This  know 
ledge  of  it  was  the  requirement  of  the  time  at  the 
Universities,  and  was  especially  needful  for  one 
designed  for  that  course  of  life  for  which  he  was 
apparently  intended.8 

6  See  note,  Chap,  xxxiii.,  on  the  Latin.     Many   of   the   most  im- 
date  of  his  death.  portant  works,  in  literature  and 

7  Bradford,  409,  412.  science,  were  still  written  in  that 

8  Much  of  the  conversation  and  language.     To  a  large  extent   it 
epistolary  correspondence  among  was   the   language  of  the   court, 
the  learned  of  this  period  was  in  and  of  diplomatic  intercourse,  as 


EDUCATION,  CAMBRIDGE,  RELIGION.  41 

He  also  acquired  "  some  insight  into  the  Greek." 
The  fact  that  Greek  literature  was  then  less  cul 
tivated  than  at  subsequent  periods,  accounts  for 
the  less  attainment  in  it  here  mentioned. 

Corresponding  with  these  preparatory  attain 
ments  in  the  languages,  must  have  been  his  pro 
gress  in  mathematical  and  other  branches  re 
quired. 

Thus  prepared,  he  entered  the  University  of 
Cambridge.  It  is  not  known  into  which  of  its 

o 

then  fourteen  colleges  or  halls  (now  seventeen) 
young  Brewster  was  received,  yet  in  whichever  it 
may  have  been,  no  privileges  or  opportunities  of 
advancing  in  knowledge,  classical  or  scientific,  we 
are  well  assured,  were  suffered  by  him  to  pass 
unimproved.  Nor  could  his  feelings  while  at 
Cambridge,  be  uninfluenced,  or  his  tastes  uncul 
tivated,  amidst  its  gathered  specimens  of  art,  its 
noble  gardens,  its  verdant  lawns,  its  venerable 
shades,  and  refreshing  walks  by  the  slow  winding 
"  Cam." 

But  the  highest  attainment,  that  which  moulded 
his  character,  and  became  the  moving  principle  of 
his  subsequent  life,  was  his  imbibing  there  the 
spirit  of  the  Christian  religion,  in  the  words  of 
the  historian,  "  then  being  first  seasoned  with  the 


well  as   of  the   universities.     Of  the  court  of  Elizabeth,  we  have  a 

the  state  of  learning  generally  at  favorable  view  in  Hallam's  Litera- 

the  universities,  at   this    period,  ture,  and  Sir  Roger  Ascham's  Trea- 

and  also  of  its  encouragement  at  tise  on  the  same  subject. 


42  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

seeds  of  grace  and  virtue."9  Nor  in  this  respect, 
was  Brewster's  case  at  all  singular.  Many  and 
eminent  were  the  examples  of  like  religious  in 
fluence  at  the  time  in  the  universities ;  of  which, 
history  and  numerous  biographies  of  that  period 
bear  ample  testimony. 

How  long  Brewster  remained  at  Cambridge 
University  is  undefined;  but  considering  the  many 
years  usually  passed  there,  and  his  probable  age 
on  leaving,  the  time  indefinitely  expressed  in  his 
friend's  memoir,  may  imply  a  period  sufficiently 
long,  though  not  longer  than  to  take  his  first 
degree. 

Thus  qualified,  he  left  the  University  "  for  the 
Court,"  where  he  entered  the  service  of  one  of 
the  Queen's  ambassadors,  Mr.  Wm.  Davison, 
afterwards  one  of  her  principal  Secretaries  of 
State.  And  henceforth  for  a  time  we  must  trace 
Brewster's  course  almost  wholly  by  that  of  his 
patron,  and  through  a  most  eventful  period  of 
that  statesman's  life. 

9  Bradford's  History  of  Plymouth  Plantations,  409. 


CHAPTER   II. 

Call  some  of  young  years,  to  train  them  up  in  that  trade,  and  so 
fit  them  for  weighty  affairs. — BACON. 

WE  are  to  glance  at  the  time  and  the  general 
state  of  things  when  Brewster  entered  the  scenes 
of  public  life.  He  was  now  in  the  service  of  Mr. 
Davison  at  the  "Court."  To  be  placed  in  this 
position,  he  must  have  had  family  influence,  or 
have  been  recommended  by  peculiar  qualifications, 
perhaps  both.  At  what  particular  time  he  entered 
the  service  of  that  statesman,  can  now  be  deter 
mined  only  by  other  concurrent  facts  and  dates, 
which,  compared,  prove  it  to  have  been  at  one  of 
two  periods — either  in  the  autumn  of  1584,  or 
early  in  the  summer  of  1585.  If  at  the  former 
period,  which  seems  more  than  probable,  it  must 
have  been  in  accordance  with  the  following  re 
corded  facts : — 

On  the  last  of  September,  1584,  after  an  embassy 
or  continuation  of  embassies  of  about  two  years 
in  Scotland,  Mr.  Davison  returned  to  the  court  of 
England.1  Here,  then,  was  an  opportunity  (and  it 

1  Saddler's  State  Papers,  vol.  iii.     vol.  i.  p.  156,  No.  291  and  Nos. 
166,  and  Catalogue  of  Harl.  MSS.,     immediately  preceding. 


44  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

was  the  first  that  had  occurred  in  these  years)  for 
Brewster  to  become  engaged  in  his  service  at  the 
court.2  On  this  supposition,  however,  his  stay 
here,  at  this  time,  was  hut  short.  Two  months 
had  scarcely  elapsed  after  this  ambassador's  return 
from  Scotland,  when  he  was  called  to  enter  on 
another  mission  to  the  Netherlands :  a  confidential 
mission,  preparatory  to  a  succeeding  one,  in  which 
Brewster  is  known  to  have  been  engaged.  And 
this  preparatory  mission,  important  in  its  results, 
and  of  no  little  historic  interest,  not  having  been 
noticed  by  any  historian  here  known,  merits,  in 
this  place,  a  more  particular  attention.3 

There  had  now  arrived  one  of  those  eventful 
periods  in  England's  history,  which  attracted  the 
special  attention  of  surrounding  nations  then,  nor 
has  it  ceased  to  do  so  even  to  the  present  time  ; 
to  Queen  Elizabeth,  it  was  one  of  the  most  critical 
of  her  whole  reign. 

Throughout  Western  Europe,  jealousies  and  em 
bittered  feelings,  between  so-called  Catholics  and 
Protestants,  existed  to  an  extent  scarcely  kept 
within  control.  In  England,  the  excitement  and 

2  Unless  Brewster's  entrance  where  we  should  surely  expect  to 

upon  service  with  the  Ambassador  find  this  mission  noticed,  we  not 

commenced  thus  early,  Bradford's  only  do  not  find  it,  but  we  find  an 

expression,  "  divers  years,"  would  attempt  to  alter  dates  from  manu- 

be  restricted  to  a  term  of  about  script  documents  which  relate  to 

two  years,  a  restriction  which  it,  so  as  to  make  them  conform  to 

these  words  will  scarcely  admit.  a  mission  in  the  next  year.  (See 

8  Even  in  the  Life  of  Secretary  Life  of  Davison,  pp.  19,  20,  21,  and 

Davison,  by  Sir  N.  H,  Nicholas,  notes.) 


DAVISON,  BREWSTER — CONDITION  OF  EUROPE.      45 

danger  were  much  increased  by  the  long- continued 
imprisonment  of  Mary,  Queen  of  Scots,  the  fruitful 
source  of  party  intrigues  and  plots,  and  of  hopes 
and  fears  depending  on  her  life.  As  to  France, 
the  awfully  thrilling  sensation  caused  by  the  never 
to  be  forgotten  massacre  of  St.  Bartholomew's  Eve, 
had  scarcely  yet  subsided ;  nor  were  there  wanting, 
in  the  ruling  party  at  that  court,  the  readiness  and 
will  to  strike  some  other  kindred  blow.  Pope 
Pius  V.  had  also  issued  his  ic  Bull,"  pronouncing 
Queen  Elizabeth  a  heretic,  and  absolving  her 
Catholic  subjects  from  their  oath  of  allegiance  to 
her  government.4  In  Germany,  after  some  cessa 
tion  from  internal  conflicts  and  so-called  religious 
wars,  now  again  were  aroused  the  hatred  and  pas 
sions  of  kindred  against  kindred,  ready  for  deadly 
strife.5  Spain,  watchful  and  suspicious  of  Eliza 
beth's  course,  provoked  and  provoking,  and  ready 
to  arm  against  her,  was,  at  the  time,  the  most 
powerful  kingdom  in  Europe.  Under  the  stern, 
intolerant  Philip  the  Second,  were  held  almost 
the.  entire  commerce  of  the  East,  and  the  control 
of  the  gold  and  richest  possessions  of  the  New 
World. 

Over  the  Low  Countries  of  Holland,  called  also 
the  United  Provinces  or  Netherlands,  he  claimed 
by  inheritance  absolute  sway ;  and  here,  in  viola- 

4  Turner's   Eng.,  xii.   300,  340,         5  Kohlrauscli's      Germany,     p. 
350,  371.     See   the  document   in     307. 
Burnet's  Hist,  of  the  Reformation, 
Record  309. 


46  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

tion  of  long  established  rights  and  privileges,  he 
had  introduced,  and  by  his.  agents  had  exercised, 
the  bloody  atrocities  of  the  Inquisition.  In  these 
states,  now  mostly  Protestant,  had  the  Prince  of 
Orange  headed  a  confederacy  of  defence  against 
this  long  continued  persecution  and  tyranny.  Here 
had  been  awakened  a  spirit  of  religious  liberty, 
maddened,  at  times,  indeed,  into  anarchy,  but  at 
length  merging  into  patriotic  efforts  for  independ 
ence,  which  could  not  easily  be  crushed.  And 
now  there  was  a  struggle,  as  for  life,  to  cast  off  the 
Spanish  yoke.  In  this,  the  states  at  length  found 
themselves  contending  single-handed  against  the 
whole  power  of  the  Spanish  monarchy.  Spain's 
veteran  troops,  that  had  before  spread  devastation 
over  city  and  country,  under  the  cruel  and  butcher 
ing  Alva,  were  again  assembling  in  force  against 
them  under  the  more  politic,  but  not  less  skilful 
and  determined  Duke  of  Parma.6 

At  this  critical  conjuncture,  and  to  the  conster 
nation  of  the  confederated  states,  their  great  leader, 
their  country's  hope,  William,  Prince  of  Orange, 
fell — basely  assassinated  by  a  supposed  emissary  of 
Spain.7  Almost  in  despair,  they  cast  their  eyes 

6  Brandt,    Holinshed   and    Ry-  1584    (N.  S.),  by  Belthazar  Ger- 
mer,  at  this  period,  Strype's  An-  rand,  a   Burgundian,  and  a  sup- 
nals,  in.,  parti.,  304,  306,  and  317  ;  posed  Spanish  emissary.  The  King 
Malte   Brun,  iii.  1094  and   1106.  of    Spain  had   offered    a    reward 
Ranke,  143.  of  25,000  ducats  to  any  one  who 

7  The    Prince    of    Orange    was  would    take    the     Prince's    life, 
treacherously  assassinated  at  his  Strype's  Annals,  iii.,  part  i.,  304, 
own  house,  at   Delft,   July  10th,  306,  309,  417. 


MISSION  TO  THE  NETHERLANDS.  47 

abroad  for  help.  And  foul  deeds  like  this  ever 
excite  an  interest  and  sympathy  for  the  sufferers, 
wherever  selfishness  and  bigotry  have  not  closed 
the  heart  against  them. 

Elizabeth  had  aided  them,  but  only  cautiously 
and  covertly.  They  applied  to  France,  but  were 
refused. 

Elizabeth  and  her  council,  sympathizing  with 
them,  and  sensible  of  her  own  exposed  condition 
should  the  Spanish  arms  there  again  prevail,  re 
solved  on  offering  protection. 

Such  were  the  circumstances,  such  the  views 
and  feelings  that  prompted  the  present  mission. 
And  Mr.  Davison  was  selected  for  its  execution.8 
He  had  much  experience,  first  as  a  diplomatic 
agent  at  the  Hague ;  next  in  a  mission  and 
residence  at  Antwerp ;  afterwards  in  an  embassy 
to  the  Low  Countries,  where  he  became  well- 
known  and  highly  esteemed ;  lately  he  had 
returned  from  one  of  much  difficulty  in  Scotland. 
With  great  prudence  and  skill  had  he  negotiated 
important  treaties,  giving  unusual  satisfaction  to 
all  parties  concerned.  And  now  to  him  was 
committed  the  present  trust ;  one  in  the  wise  and 
discreet  execution  of  which,  a  worthy  and  patriotic 
people  might  be  preserved  from  despair  and 
despotism,  their  numerous  Protestant  churches 
from  desolation,  and  Elizabeth  and  her  people's 


8  Biographia  Britannica;  article  Davison ;  and  Strype,  as  referred  to 
before. 


48  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

position  strengthened ;  but  in  failure  of  which, 
the  whole  might  be  involved  in  inextricable 
difficulty  and  clanger. ,  Hence  the  importance,  as 
well  as  the  object  of  the  mission. 

Accordingly,  even  before  the  close  of  the  year, 
the  ambassador  proceeded  to  the  Netherlands. 
Among  the  objects  claiming  his  immediate  atten 
tion  was  the  condition  of  the  Elector  of  Cologne, 
Gebhard  Truchsis,  or  Truxis,  who  was  also  the 
archbishop.  Entertaining  Protestant  views,  he 
had  influenced  many  others  in  the  same  way.  For 
this,  and  the  crime  of  marrying,  he  had  been 
deposed,  and  forced  to  seek  protection  in  the 
Confederated  States.9  In  this  emergency,  a 
warrant  from  the  Queen  authorized  Mr.  Davison 
to  take  up  and  deliver  to  the  Elector,  6000  pounds 
towards  the  relief  of  his  troubled  estate,  and  the 
furtherance  of  the  common  cause."10  On  the  12th 
of  the  following  January,  the  ambassador  reported 
his  conference  with  the  States  Delegates  ;n  and  on 
the  9th  of  March  received  further  special  commu 
nications  respecting  the  matters  to  be  transacted.12 
On  the  10th,  at  the  Hague,  he  communicated  the 
welcome  intelligence  of  the  Queen's  intention, 
under  the  circumstances,  to  support  the  oppressed 

9  Catalogue,   Harl.   MSS.  i.  pt.         n  Catalogue,  Cott.  MSS.  Galba 
126, 156,  with  Strype's  Annals,  iii.     C.  viii.  2,  p.  222. 

pt.  11,  275,  and  Leicester  Corres-  I2  Catalogue,  Harl.  MSS.  i.  126; 
pondence,  15,  134,  373,  376.  285,  47. 

10  Catalogue,  Harl.  MSS.  vol.  i. 
p.  126,  and  156 :  Dec.  29,  1584. 


ACCOMPLISHMENT  OF  THIS  MISSION".  49 

people  of  the  Netherlands.13  Before  the  close  of 
April,  the  States  General  proposed  to  offer  Eliza 
beth  the  sovereignty ;  but  she,  on  hearing  it,  declared 
to  the  ambassador  through  the  Earl  of  Leicester 
her  marked  displeasure,  supposing  that  he  had 
sought  this  offer  from  the  states ;  but  her  ministry 
justified  him,  and  satisfied  her.  on  the  ground 
that  it  was  only  rendering  to  her  the  same  honor 
that  before  had  been  proffered  to  the  French  King. 
Now  also  was  suggested  the  Earl  of  Leicester's 
project  of  an  expedition  to  the  Low  Countries.14 

Thus,  the  way  being  made  clear,  and  the  pre 
liminaries  settled  for  the  needed  aid,  a  warrant 
from  the  Queen  of  the  24th  of  April  authorized 
the  ambassador's  return.15 

Accordingly  having  been  the  bearer  of  aid  to 
the  needy,  having  met  the  States  General,  or 
Delegates  in  council,  ascertained  their  purposes, 
condition,  and  resources,  made  known  to  them 
the  mind  of  his  sovereign,  procured  answers  to  the 
propositions  presented,  and  treated  of  all  the 
matters  to  be  transacted  in  accordance  with  his 
instructions,  he  returns  again  to  England,  and  in 
due  time  reports  at  court  the  results  of  this 
mission. 

And  supposing,  as  we  have  done,  that  young 
Brewster  was  with  him,  this  constituted  his  first 


13  Catalogue,  Cott.  MSS.  Galba,        I5  Catalogue,  Cott,  MSS.  Galb^, 
C.  viii.  16,  35,  p.  303,  &c.  C.  viii.  No.  46, 

14  Catalogue,  Harl.  MSS.  i.  126, 
p.  No.  285,  49. 

4 


50  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

experience  in  connection  with  diplomatic  life. 
And  the  view  here  given,  presents  more  clearly 
than  could  otherwise  be  done,  the  first  steps  in 
the  important  movements  soon  to  follow,  in  a 
portion  of  which  he  is  known  to  have  acted, 
though  a  subordinate,  yet  an  honorable  part. 
Something  may  yet  be  discovered  in  the  Harleian, 
or  other  manuscripts,  to  confirm  our  supposition. 
If  so,  born  about  the  year  1560,  and  coming  to 
the  court  in  the  autumn  of  1584,  he  was  in  his 
24th  year  when  he  entered  the  service  of  Mr. 
Davison. 

In  either  case  Brewster  came  into  the  active 
scenes  of  life,  not  when  all  around  was  as  the 
calm  unruffled  sea,  but  when  the  broad  surface 
of  all  Europe  was  as  the  heaving  ocean ;  and  ere 
long  he  must  himself  feel  its  surging  billows,  and 
taste  its  bitter  waters.  And  deeply  engraven 
upon  his  mind  must  have  been  the  apprehensions, 
as  well  as  effects  of  tyranny  and  religious  intole 
rance  now  manifested  in  the  Netherlands,  and 
which  called  forth  the  sympathies  of  England,  in 
view  of  the  threatening  contest. 


CHAPTER    III. 

Great  honors  are  great  burdens. — Joxsoir. 

WE  have  spoken  of  the  "  Court."  The  court 
of  Elizabeth,  it  is  well  known,  was  at  this  time 
one  of  distinguished  eminence.  There  was  the 
Queen  of  strong  mind  and  lion  heart — quick  to 
discern,  though  at  times  imperious — passionate, 
and  not  always  without  guile.  There  were  her 
chief  Officers  of  State,  consisting  of  not  a  few  of 
the  noted  men  of  the  age — a  Cecil,  now  Lord 
Buiieigh  of  the  Treasury ;  a  Walsingham  and  a 
Smith,  now  Secretaries  of  State ;  Mildmay,  Sadler, 
Hatton,  Bromley,  with  the  lords  of  the  house 
hold,  and  ladies  of  the  court,  and  others  that 
have  left  their  marks  upon  the  age.  There  also 
assembled,  at  her  majesty's  summons,  the  Privy 
Council,  consisting  of  twelve  of  those  principal 
officers  of  state,  with  an  undefined  number  of  the 
lords,  all  of  royal  choice ;  whose  duties  were, 
under  oath,  to  advise  the  sovereign  according  to 
their  best  skill,  knowledge,  and  discretion,  with 
out  partiality  or  corruption,  and  to  observe,  keep, 
and  do,  all  that  good  and  true  counsellors  ought 


52  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

to  do  for  the  sovereign's  honor  and  the  public 
good  !l 

As  to  place,  "  The  Court"  was  wherever  the 
Queen  was  at  the  time  resident ;  whether  at 
Westminster,  Whitehall,  Greenwich,  Richmond, 
Windsor,  Nonsuch,  or  other  royal  residences ;  and 
at  each  of  these  were  the  offices  and  apartments, 
for  all  state  purposes  and  attendants,  as  well  as 
for  the  royal  household.2 

Of  the  Privy  Council,  then  eminently  the  great 
Council  of  State,  Mr.  Davison  appears  to  have 
held  for  the  time  the  office  of  Clerk — an  office  of 
high  trust,  usually  committed  to  tried  statesmen, 
of  whose  diligence  and  discretion  as  well  as 
abilities,  there  had  been  full  proof.  Such  proof 
had  he  given  in  more  than  eighteen  years  of 
responsible  service.3  And  at  this  period,  Brewster 
is  clearly  known  to  have  been  in  his  service.  It  is 
the  only  other  period  in  which  he  could  have  been 
connected  with  Mr  Davison  "  at  Court,"  pre 
viously  to  going  on  a  specified  embassy  to  the 
Low  Countries.4 


1  Records  of  the  Time,  Black-  s  Strype's   Annals,   iii.   part   i. 
stone's  Com.     The  Privy  Council  420,  and  Life  of  Davison. 
"became       afterwards      gradually  4  Brad.  410.     The  chronological 
changed,  and  was   for  the   most  order  of  Bradford's  statements,  to 
part    merged    in  the   Ministerial  accord   with    historic    facts    and 
Council ;  and  this  again  in  time  dates,   must    be    made   to   stand 
yielded  to  the  present  so  called  thus:  1st.  Brewster  went  from  the 
Cabinet    Council.     Hallam's  Con-  University  to  the  Court,  and  there 
stitutional  History,  ii.  347.  he   entered    the    service    of    Mr. 

2  Beatson's   Political   Index,   i.  Davison ;    2d.    He   attended    Mr. 
393.  Davisou  on   the  embassy  to  the 


BREWSTER  WITH  DAVISCN  AT  THE  COURT.  53 

What  then,  it  may  be  asked,  was  now  and  here 
young  Brewster's  position]  We  say  not  that  it 
was  such  that  he  became  particularly  acquainted 
with  the  princely  and  the  great ;  but  that  he  was 
at  least  an  active  observer  behind  the  scenes ;  also 
(what  was  matter  of  much  greater  interest  to  him 
self),  that  he  had  all  the  advantages,  and  the 
accompanying  influence  not  only  of  the  acquaint 
ance,  but  of  the  esteem  and  marked  friendship  of 
his  honored  patron.5 

Thus  situated,  and  qualified  with  solid  and 
classical  attainments,  no  doubt  he  was  engaged 
with  mind  and  pen,  in  duties  relating  to  Mr. 
Davison's  position  in  connection  with  the  Council. 
Here,  all  would  be  calculated  to  call  forth  his 
mental  energies,  to  excite  his  youthful  curiosity, 
and  prompt  to  the  most  circumspect  deportment. 

Here  for  the  time  were  opportunities  for  ad 
vancing  in  the  knowledge  of  men  and  things,  and 
of  the  operations  of  Government,  in  matters  civil, 
political,  and  ecclesiastical,  equal  to  his  utmost 
capacity  to  improve. 

But  what,  among  other  subjects,  now  engaged 
the  special  attention  of  the  Queen,  Court,  and 
Council  1  What  other  than  the  subject  of  the 
late  negotiation  and  still  further  action  in  respect 
to  the  Low  Countries'?6  Daily  was  the  condition 
of  the  Confederated  States  waxing  worse  and 

Low  Countries,  as  specified  ;  and        *  Brad.,  409. 

last,  he  was  witli  that  statesman,         6  Strype's    Annals,  iii.  part    ii. 

when  he  was  Secretary  of  State.       363. 


54  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

worse.  Town  after  town  was  falling  into  the 
hands  of  their  stern  and  cruel  enemy.  The  nohle 
city  of  Antwerp,  the  great  emporium  of  the  States 
and  of  Western  Germany,  was  besieged  and  in 
danger.  In  the  pressing  emergency,  deputies, 
with  full  powers  to  act,  had  hastened  to  England.7 
Met  by  the  Queen  at  Greenwich,  at  her  feet  they 
plead  their  cause.  They  brought  to  view  her 
former  favors — their  present  danger — her  assur 
ances  of  anxious  care  for  their  defence  and 
preservation,  lately  signified  to  them  by  her 
ambassador;  the  mutual  interests  of  the  two 
countries ;  the  threatened  overthrow  of  their 
Protestant  faith ;  their  hopeful  prospects  if  further 
aided;  but  desperate  condition  if  unaided;  and, 
waiving  all  former  objections,  they  again  proffer 
to  her  the  sovereignty.  On  the  terms  specified 
they  urge  its  acceptance  as  a  work  most  royal  and 
magnificent — acceptable  to  God,  to  Christianity 
all  helpful,  and  worthy  of  immortal  commenda 
tion.8 

Elizabeth  heard  with  deep  interest  their  plea. 
She  declined  the  sovereignty ;  but  on  due  delibera 
tion  assented  to  an  alliance.  Accordingly  com 
missioners  were  deputed  from  the  Privy  Council 
to  treat  with  the  Deputies.9  The  eyes  of  all 
Europe  were  fixed  upon  her.  It  was  a  bold  and 

7  Rymer's  Foedera,  xv.  802.  Old   French.    Holinshed,  iv.  416, 

8  Speech  of  States'  Deputies  to    419,  and  619. 

Queen  Elizabeth,  at  Greenwich,  9  Cottonian  MSS.  Galba,  C.  vii. 
June  29th,  1585  ;  the  original  in  55. 


TREATY  AND  EMBASSY.  55 

daring  step.  The  King  of  Sweden  said  :  "  Queen 
Elizabeth  has  now  taken  the  diadem  from  her 
head,  and  ventured  it  upon  the  doubtful  chance 
of  war."10  Some  of  her  Council  were  for  declining 
the  hazardous  connection.  She  had  herself  at 
first  hesitated ;  but  at  length  concurring  with 
those  in  its  favor,  she  determined  upon  the  heroic 
act.11  At  the  magnificent  palace  of  "  Nonsuch/' 
was  the  treaty  negotiated,  the  Queen  herself  being 
often  present  at  the  conferences.  Here  also,  for 
most  of  the  time,  was  Mr.  Davison — officially  con 
cerned  and  well  qualified  to  act.12  And  here 
doubtless  was  Mr.  Brewster  also  occupied  in  his 
Patron's  service. 

By  the  10th  of  August  the  treaty  was  con 
cluded,13  and  Davison  was  soon  clothed  with 
powers  as  her  majesty's  ambassador  to  carry  its 
stipulations  into  execution.14  Five  thousand  foot, 
and  one  thousand  horse,  were  to  be  dispatched  to 
the  aid  of  the  States,  to  be  paid  at  first  by  the 
Queen,  while  the  port  of  Flushing  with  the  fortress 
of  the  Ramikins,  in  Zealand,  and  the  Brill,  with 
its  forts  in  Holland,  were  to  be  put  into  the  hands 
of  the  English,  as  precautionary  sureties,  until  'the 

10  Campden's    Elizabeth,    folio,  I3  Corps    Universal  e    Diploma- 
321.  tique,   tome   v.   partie   i.  p.  454, 

11  "  Threw  herself  into  the  pres-  and   further  stipulations   on  the 
ent  war  for  their  sakes,  with  the  18th  of  the  same  month, 
greatest  Prince  and  Potentate  in  14  Strype's    Annals,  iii.   part   i. 
Europe."  Cabala,  part  ii.  34.  436.      Murdin,     783.      "  Life     of 

12  Leicester  Correspondence,  let-  Davison,  15." 
ter  xviii.  126,  xliii.  117. 


56  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

repayment  of  the  incurred  expenses.  Hence 
were  they  called  the  <%  Cautionary  Towns." 

Scarcely,  however,  had  the  treaty  been  concluded, 
when  the  startling  news  arrived  of  the  fall  of  Ant 
werp.  This  unexpected  intelligence,  causing  de 
spondency  in  the  States,  and  fears  in  England, 
hastened  the  departure  of  the  embassy  and  a  por 
tion  of  the  military  force.15 

In  this  embassy  was  Brewster.  In  the  quaint 
old  style  of  our  historian  it  is  recorded:  "He 
attended  Mr.  Davison  when  he  was  sent  in  embas- 
sage  by  the  Queen  into  the  Low  Countries,  in  the 
Earl  of  Leicester's  time,  as  for  other  weighty  affairs 
of  state,  so  to  receive  possession  of  the  Caution 
ary  Towns."16  The  embassy  was  to  proceed  to  the 
Hague,  by  the  way  of  Flushing,  to  counteract  there 
and  elsewhere,  as  quickly  as  possible,  the  sad  effects 
of  the  fall  of  Antwerp,  and  the  wily  policy  of  the 
conquering  enemy.  All  along,  as  might  be  ex 
pected,  had  Spanish  agencies  been  at  work,  in 
every  practicable  way,  to  undermine  the  efforts  of 
the  States,  and  to  oppose  the  influence  of  the 
English.17 

13  See   references  in   preceding  son,  sent  of  special  message  into 
note    14.      Antwerp    surrendered  the  Low  Countries,  with  40  sh.il- 
August   7th,  1585    (Sup.  N.  S.);  lings   diet."     Murdin's    State  Pa- 
Sir  John  Norris  was  appointed  to  pers,  783. 
the  command  of  the  forces  Aug.          l6  Bradford,  410. 
12th ;  this,  and  the  ambassador's         17  Davison 's     instructions      in 
urgent  instructions,  indicate  that  Strype's  Annals,  iii.  part  ii.  363, 
the  embassy  must  have  left  Eng-  and  his  letters  to  the  court  of  this 
land  by  about  the  middle  of  this  date  in  Cabala  and  Leicester  Cor- 
month.    Burleigh's  treasury  entry  respondents, 
was:  "Aug.  1585.  Mr.  W.  Davi- 


DIFFICULTIES  IN  THE  EMBASSY  OVERCOME.         57 

Assertions  were  confidently  made  that  the 
Spanish  arms  would  now  again  prevail.  Slander 
ous  reports  were  put  in  circulation  respecting  the 
acts  and  purposes  of  Elizabeth.  Artful  insinua 
tions  were  uttered  that,  on  getting  possession  of 
the  important  towns,  as  stipulated,  the  very  keys 
to  the  heart  of  the  country,  the  Queen  would  hold 
the  States  in  complete  subjection;  or  else,  that  she 
would  desert,  and  leave  them  to  their  fate,  or 
make  a  selfish  treaty  with  Spain,  without  their 
knowledge,  whenever  it  would  serve  her  private 
ends. 

Efforts  were  also  made  to  destroy  confidence, 
and  cause  dissatisfaction  among  the  people  them 
selves,  in  respect  to  their  own  rulers,  as  well  as . 
between  their  rulers  and  the  English  queen.  At 
tempts  there  were,  too,  and  at  times  threatening 
to  be  successful,  to  awaken  jealousies  between  their 
leaders — to  estrange  them  from  each  other,  and 
thus  to  break  their  strong  bond  of  union.  Others, 
again,  who  could  be  reached  by  more  base  and 
sordid  motives,  were  stealthily  appealed  to  on  the 
score  of  interest:  as  heavy  taxes,  the  expenses  of 
the  war — even  the  sacrifice  of  their  estates,  if  con 
quered — all  of  which  w^ould  be  saved  by  submis 
sion. 

These  influences  were  to  be  met,  and  met  they 
were  successfully.  The  ambassador's  well-known 
character,  his  sympathizing  interest  in  their  behalf, 
his  wise  counsels,  gentlemanly  deportment,  and 
prompt  action,  aided  powerfully  in  checking  oppo- 


58  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

sition,  dispelling  fears,  strengthening  their  hopes, 
and  calling  forth  all  the  combined  energies  of  the 
patriotic. 

Here  were  lessons  for  Brewster,  in  the  school  of 
diplomacy,  and  in  conferences  with  chief  men  and 
rulers,  as  the  embassy  journeyed  from  Flushing  to 
the  Hague.18 

From  the  Hague,  the  ambassador  reported  the 
success  of  his  negotiations  for  the  execution  of  the 
treaty  and  the  delivery  of  the  Cautionary  Towns. 
In  the  mean  time,  instructions  had  been  forwarded 
to  him  from  the  Queen,  with  authority  to  receive 
and  take  possession  of  those  towns  in  her  majesty's 
name.19  Accordingly,  on  returning  to  the  Briel,  he 
thus  reported  again: — 

"  In  the  evening  I  received  the  keys,  which  I 
this  day  have  committed  to  Mr.  Henry  Norris,  with 
the  government  of  the  place  by  provision,  till  her 
majesty  shall  otherwise  dispose  thereof."20 

But  at  Flushing  was  the  transfer  in  which,  from 
Brewster's  known  connection  therewith,  we  are 
most  interested.  While  at  the  Briel,  the  ambas 
sador  received  possession,  and  placed  its  govern 
ment  in  the  hands  of  another;  at  Flushing,  he 
was  not  only  to  receive  possession  and  take  upon 
himself  the  civil  government,  but  to  take  command 
also  of  its  fortifications,  until  the  arrival  of  its 

18  Letters,  &c.,  last  referred  to.          *°  Extract  from  the  MSS.,  kindly 

19  Cottonian  MSS.  Galba,  C.  viii.     forwarded  by  Mr.  Hunter,  of  Lon- 
69  and  73,  and  Cabala,  part  ii.  34,     don. 

Sept.  24,  1585. 


CAUTIONARY  TOWNS  TAKEX  IN  POSSESSION.        59 

future  governor.  And  this  transfer  appears  to 
have  been  attended  with  something  of  an  imposing 
ceremony. 

On  the  morning  of  October  19th,  1585  (Count 
Hollock,  or  Hohenloe,  and  the  young  Prince 
Maurice,  son  of  the  lately  assassinated  chief,  being 
present  and  assenting),  the  English  troops  marched 
forth  from  their  quarters,  in  good  and  quiet  order, 
to  the  principal  church.  There,  in  solemn  manner, 
was  administered  to  them  the  oath  of  fidelity  in 
respect  to  the  present  peculiar  trust.  This  solemn 
act,  in  this  sacred  place,  being  performed  in  the 
presence  of  all  assembled,  they  next  marched  to 
the  fortifications,  and  took  armed  positions  and 
possession,  while  the  troops  of  the  States  quietly 
retired ;  "  and,  in  token  and  sign"  of  the  transfer 
and  possession,  the  keys  were  also  delivered  to  the 
ambassador  in  due  form,  and  accordingly  received 
by  him  in  her  majesty's  name.  And  thus,  all  con 
curring,  was  concluded,  in  quietness  and  peace,  a 
transaction  which  was  evidently  one  of  great  deli 
cacy — to  both  parties  a  matter  of  no  little  anxiety.21 

Connected  with  this,  was  the  further  occurrence, 
that  the  ambassador,  after  keeping  the  keys  for 
some  time,  "  committed  them  to  Brewster ;"  and 
he,  as  deputy,  and  as  indicating  his  sense  of  the 
responsibility  and  of  faithfulness  to  the  trust, 
slept,  the  first  night,  with  them  under  his  pillow.28 

21  Cabala,  part  ii.  3  and  34;  Cot-     78;  Leicester  Correspondence,  61 
Ionian  MSS.  Galba,  C.  viii.  73,  75,     and  74. 

22  Bradford,  p.  410. 


60  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Thus  early  appears  the  position  which  Brewster 
held  in  the  ambassador's  confidence,  while  engaged 
in  this  special  mission. 

How  long  William  Brewster  kept  the  keys  of 
Flushing  is  not  stated ;  but,  from  various  sources, 
we  learn  that  Sir  Philip  Sidney,  one  of  the  noblest 
of  England's  worthies,  and,  for  his  years,  one  of 
the  wisest,  was  commissioned  on  the  9th,  and 
arrived  to  take  command  on  the  18th  of  the  fol 
lowing  November,  when  to  him  were  the  keys  of 
this  important  military  post  transferred  by  the 
ambassador,  probably  from  the  hands  of  Brewster.23 

The  main  purpose  of  this  mission  being  now 
accomplished,  the  embassy  is  anxiously  looking  for 
permission  to  return.  Private  considerations  in 
duced  a  request  for  it,  which,  however,  was  not 
yet  granted.24 

From  the  first  movement  in  the  preparatory 
mission,  through  the  whole  course  of  the  negotia 
tions  to  the  final  carrying  of  the  treaty  into  effect, 
had  Mr.  Davison  been  the  main  responsible  agent. 

Great  wisdom,  discretion,  and  tact,  were  required 
amid  all  the  conflicting  interests,  in  avoiding  the 
jealousy  of  neighboring  neutral  states,  and  in  pro 
voking  as  little  as  possible  the  threatening  wrath 
of  Italy  and  Spain.  And  "  in  this,  which  was 

23  Rymer's  Foedera,  xv.  802,  and  same  time  Governor  at  the  Brill, 
Sir  Philip's  Report ;  Harlein  MSS.;  but  did  not  arrive  until  after  the 
Lodge's  Memoirs,  iii.  9.     Sir  Tho-  12th  of  January  following  ;    Lei- 
mas  Cecil,  son  of  the  Lord  Trea-  cester  Correspondence,  38,  51. 
surer,  was   commissioned   at  the  21  Cabala,  ii.  3,  34. 


DIPLOMATIC  SCHOOL.  61 

without  question  one  of  the  most  perplexing  trans 
actions  of  that  whole  reign,  the  ambassador  con 
ducted  things  in  such  a  happy  dexterity  as  to  merit 
the  strongest  acknowledgments  on  the  part  of  the 
States,  at  the  same  time  that  he  rendered  the 
highest  service  to  his  royal  mistress."25 

In  such  a  service,  under  suth  a  patron,  was 
Brewster  acquiring  enlarged  views,  and  acquaint 
ance  with  other  manners,  customs,  and  conditions 
of  society,  civil  and  religious,  and  laying  up  in 
store  practical  wisdom,  of  no  small  advantage  to 
himself  and  others,  in  his  future  life. 


25  Biographia  Britannica,  article  Davison ;    and  Cabala,  with  Lei 
cester  Correspondence  as  before  quoted. 


CHAPTER  iv. 

Knights,  with  a  long  retinue  of  their  squires, 

In  gaudy  liveries  march,  and  quaint  attires. — DRYDEX. 

BETWEEN"  the  time  when  William  Brewster 
kept  the  keys  of  Flushing,  just  mentioned,  and 
that  of  the  next  incident  recorded  respecting  him, 
were  other  occurrences  too  marked  to  be  omitted. 
To  pass  such  unnoticed  here,  would  be  to  pass 
over  much  that  throws  light  upon  this  part  of  the 
narrative.  Connected  with  these,  there  comes 
before  us  another  personage  as  the  chief  actor — 
the  Earl  of  Leicester.  Our  historian's  allusion  to 
him  specifies  the  time,  and  the  fact  of  Brewster's 
continued  connection  with  the  embassy. 

The  earl,  at  the  time  high  among  the  highest 
in  the  Queen's  personal  favor,  had  been  com 
missioned  on  the  2d  of  October,  as  her  General- 
in-Chief  and  Counsellor  in  the  Low  Countries.1 
After  many  hindrances,  and  one  mortifying  deten 
tion  by  the  Queen,  he  assembled  on  the  6th  of 
Dec.  his  numerous  and  splendid  train,  at  Col 
chester,  in  Essex,  all  zealous  for  this  famed  expedi- 

1  2d,  and  22d  Oct.     Rymer,  xv.  799,  802. 


LEICESTER  GOES  INTO  THE  NETHERLANDS.          63 

tion.  Moving  onward,  they  arrived  on  the  8th 
at  Harwich,  and,  the  day  after,  embarked  for 
Flushing  in  Zealand.2  On  the  10th,  with  a 
numerous  fleet  of  ships  and  transports,  they 
entered  that  noted  port.  There  landing,  the 
gallant  band,  in  which  was  the  Earl  of  Essex, 
with  "lords,  knights,  captains,  and  choice 
soldiery,"  was  greeted  with  shouts  of  welcome, 
displays  of  banners,  ringing  of  bells,  and  roar  of 
cannon — all  evincing  the  gratitude  and  joy  of  the 
people  of  Zealand,  for  England's  aid  in  their  time 
of  need. 

The  Earl  of  Leicester,  received  and  entertained 
by  Prince  Maurice,  and  Sir  Philip  Sidney,  now 
the  governor,  was  lodged  at  the  residence  of  the 
ambassador;  who,  with  Sir  Philip,  bore  to  him 
the  relationship  of  cousin.  Here  the  ambassador, 
attended  by  Brewster,  became  connected  with  the 
civic  and  martial  train,  to  aid  and  counsel  the 
earl  in  his  diplomatic  intercourse  with  the  States. 
Here  also  commenced  a  splendid  pageant,  in  the 
manner  of  a  triumphal  progress,  from  Flushing 
through  the  States  of  Zealand  and  Holland  even 
to  Amsterdam. 

The  next  day,  after  a  large  assemblage  and 
discourse  at  the  principal  church,  followed  by  a 

2  Admiral  Burroughs'  Journal,  ten  days  must  be  added  for  the 

in  Appendix   to   Leicester  Corre-  New  Style.     This  will  be  the  case 

spoiidence ;    and    Holinshed,    iv.  throughout     the     work,     unless 

640,  &c.     The   dates   here   given  otherwise  specified, 
being  according  to  the  Old  Style, 


64  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

banquet,  the  earl  and  a  large  body  of  attend 
ants,  with  the  embassy,  embarked  for  Middleburg. 
Passing  the  fortress  of  the  Ramikins,  a  demonstra 
tion  greeted  them,  limited,  but  not  less  signal 
than  that  of  the  day  previous  at  Flushing. 
Landing  at  Middleburg  in  grand  procession,  they 
entered  its  gates  amidst  gorgeous  display  and  pre 
sentations  of  national  standards,  roar  of  artillery, 
drums  beating,  trumpets  sounding,  and  every 
practicable  demonstration,  civic  and  military;  the 
best  estates  of  the  country  attending.  Amidst  all 
this,  conspicuous  on  every  side,  were  numerous 
and  expressive  mottoes.  Underneath  the  arms  of 
England,  emblazoned,  and  linked  by  chains  to  the 
arms  of  the  States,  and  as  most  strikingly  signifi 
cant  of  the  hopes  of  the  present  alliance,  was  this : 
"  Quos  Deus  conjunxit,  homo  non  separet ;" 
"Whom  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man 
put  asunder."3 

It  was  the  season  of  Christmas,  according  to  the 
old  computation ;  and  the  hospitalities  were  with 
out  limit.  The  authorities  of  the  States  first 
feasted  the  earl  and  his  train  in  the  States  House, 
where  most  sumptuous  was  the  fare,  and  grotesque 
the  devices;  castellated  structures  of  crystal, 
emitting  silvery  streams ;  animals  prepared  in  full 
size  and  ^very  form,  of  every  eatable  description, 
from  earth,  sea,  and  air,  served  up  with  all  their 

3  Holinshed,  iv.  640,  and  Leicester  Corres. :   a  part  of  the  marriage 
ceremonj. 


RECEPTIONS  AND  ENTERTAINMENTS.  65 

varied  accompaniments,  in  true  olden  Dutch  style, 
amid  speaking  representations  of  England's  aid — 
distress  relieved,  and  of  gratitude  to  the  Great 
Giver.  In  short,  in  the  words  of  the  accurate  old 
chronicler,  "  There  were  devices  of  all  kinds, 
music  of  all  sorts,  variety  of  all  things,  and 
wondrous  welcomes." 

In  return,  the  earl  entertained  the  authorities 
and  others  most  royally  after  the  English  manner; 
and  then,  less  publicly,  the  widow  of  the  late 
Prince  of  Orange,  and  her  youthful  son  Maurice, 
and  their  train.  Thus  were  mingled  associations 
of  deep  sad  interest  in  the  past,  with  grateful 
acknowledgments  of  the  divine  mercy,  in  the  aid 
proffered  for  the  future.4 

The  earl  having  passed  seven  days  here,  and 
"  dispatched  his  weighty  affairs,"  again  embarked 
with  his  train,  upon  the  waters  of  Lake  Bies- 
Bosch,  or  Bugersveld,5  and  for  the  next  four  days, 
wended  his  way  through  mists,  over  a  country 
deeply  submerged,  his  course  impeded  by  the 
old  foundations  of  houses,  churches  and  castles, 

4  It  should  be  remembered  that  5  This  was  a  lake  of  about  12 
the  Prince  of  Orange,  while  living,  square  leagues  in  extent,  caused 
feeling  that  his  life  was  in  con-  on  the  19th  of  Nov.,  ]421,  by  the 
tinual  danger  from  the  hands  of  rupture  of  several  dykes  ;  in  con- 
assassins,  had  solicited  the   pro-  sequence  of  which  72  villages  and 
tection  of  Elizabeth  for  his  daugh-  a  population  of  100,000  souls  were 
ters  in  case  he  should  be  taken  submerged.     Malte-Brun,  vol.  iii. 
from  them.  For  this  Elizabeth  gave  1093. 
her  pledge  ;  which,  when  the  time 
came,  she  promptly  and  generous 
ly  redeemed.     Strype's  Annals. 
5 


66  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

until  at  length,  saluted  by  numerous  Dutch  ships- 
of-war,  he  arrived  on  the  22d  at  Dort.  Here  also 
was  he  greeted  with  joyous  welcomes,  displays, 
and  bountiful  entertainments,  too  numerous  to  be 
here  described. 

Passing  on  thence,  a  varied  and  equally  im 
posing  reception  awaited  him  at  Rotterdam.  In 
the  midst  of  demonstrations  in  this  noted  city,  as 
characteristic,  and  most  conspicuous,  was  the 
newly-erected  statue  of  the  great  Erasmus,  in  a 
pulpit,  holding  forth  the  word  of  truth,  with  his 
own  paraphrase  of  the  Gospel  in  hand,  and  the 
peculiarly  appropriate  motto,  "  Erasmus,  Rotter 
dam." 

Onward  he  moved  the  next  day ;  and  on  arriving 
at  night,  illuminations6  and  other  modes  of  recep 
tion  equally  marked,  met  the  train  at  Delft.  The 
earl  was  here  conducted  to  the  very  house  where, 
the  year  before,  as  we  have  already  noticed,  the 
Prince  of  Orange  was  assassinated. 

Here,  too,  the  States  feasted  the  guests,  and  they 
in  turn  the  States.  There  were  present  chief  men 
and  ladies,  with  orators,  setting  forth  with  glowing 
tongue,  both  in  Latin  and  native  Dutch,  the 
grounds  of  the  English  alliance,  and  the  expected 
results  in  withstanding  the  conquering  enemy,  and 
in  securing  their  dearly  cherished  liberties  and 
rights. 

Three  days  having  passed  here,  the  train  again 

6  Holinshed,  iv.  643  and  645. 


THE  AMBASSADOR'S  POSITION  AND  DUTIES.       67 

moved  onward,  and  at  night  entered  Donhage,  or 
the  Hague,  illuminated  with  torches  and  fireworks, 
connected  with  still  other  curiously  devised  modes 
of  expressing  their  country's  joy  in  their  country's 
style. 

At  this  celebrated  place,  long  the  princely  seat 
of  the  House  of  Orange,  the  earl  resolved  to  keep 
his  standing  court.  From  it,  he  reports  to  the 
Queen  his  progress  and  prospects. 

Respecting  Brewster's  patron,  the  ambassador, 
the  earl's  declarations  were  that  without  his  con 
tinued  presence  and  aid,  rueful  indeed  would  be 
his  own  condition:  "Without  Mr.  Davison,  I  con 
fess  myself  quite  maimed;  his  credit  is  marvellous' 
great  here.  He  is,  I  assure  you,  the  most  sufficient 
man  to  serve  her  majesty  that  I  know,  of  all  our 
nation;  for  he  knoweth  all  parts  of  these  coun 
tries,  and  all  persons  of  any  account,  with  their 
humors,  and  hath  great  credit  among  them  all."7 

In  diplomatic  conferences  and  discussions,  where 
the  French  only  could  be  spoken,  the  ambassadoi 
answered  for  the  earl  in  that  language. 

Such  being  the  case  in  respect  to  Brewster's 
patron,  we  have  some  further  idea  what  must  have 

7  Holinshed,  iv.;    also  Leicest.  neously  attributes  to  the  ambassa- 

Cor.,   33,   59,    64,   69,    77.      Here  dor  what  the  earl  said,  not  of  him, 

would   the   writer   point    out   an  but  of  another  person,  viz.,  of  Dr. 

error  in  the  Catalogue  of  the  Har-  Bartholomew  Clerk,   of  the   civil 

lein  MS.,  No.  285,  fol.  171.     It  is  law.     Compare   said  No.    of    the 

an   error   which    might    occasion  Catalogue,  with  p.  33,  and  note  75 

great   injustice   to   Mr.  Davison's  of  Leicest.  Corres. 
character  as  a  statesman.    It  erro- 


68  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

been  his  own  condition  in  all  this  course  of  splendid 
receptions,  magnificent  entertainments,  and  mili 
tary  pomp,  himself  discreet,  modest,  retiring,  yet 
an  observer,  and  in  some  respects  a  partaker,  while 
"  attending"  upon  his  appropriate  duties. 

Omitting  the  notice  of  other  demonstrations  in 
the  earl's  further  progress,  or  excursions  from  the 
Hague,  passing  by  even  the  fantastic  devices  at 
Amsterdam,  we  give  a  passing  glance  at  but  one 
more,  that  at  Leyden.  It  was  now  the  3d  of  Jan 
uary,  1586,  three  weeks  from  the  commencement 
of  this  gorgeous  pageant,  when  the  earl,  attended 
by  300  horse  commanded  by  many  of  the  elite  of 
England,  proceeded  to  this  ancient  city.  Met  on 
the  way  and  escorted  thither  by  Burgomasters, 
Marshals,  and  chief  citizens,  in  their  robes  and 
gala  dress,  they  enter  and  pass  along  its  decorated 
streets,  lined  on  each  hand  and  overhead  with 
hangings  and  adornings  of  costliest  material,  while 
over  the  earl  moved  a  splendid  canopy.  Amidst 
such,  and  corresponding  modes  of  reception,  he 
arrived  at  his  munificently  prepared  lodgings.  But 
of  all  the  demonstrations  and  tokens  of  welcome 
here,  we  mark  one  peculiar  to  the  place  and  most 
expressive. 

Eleven  years  before,  this  city  had  endured,  from 
the  Spanish  forces,  one  of  the  most  terrible 
sieges  on  record.  And  now  were  set  forth  before 
their  guests,  as  in  drama,  the  successive  events  and 
scenes  in  that  memorable  siege;  the  battles  and 
slaughter ;  the  progress  of  the  enemy ;  the  failure 


LEYDEN  ;    DRAMATIC  ENTERTAINMENT.  69 

of  food ;  the  hunger,  thirst,  and  famine ;  the  sol 
diers  in  frenzy  seizing  upon  children  in  their 
mother's  arms;  the  pestilence,  burials,  even  the 
hardened  Spaniards  beholding  them  from  beyond 
the  walls  with  pity;  then  messages  from  the  enemy 
to  surrender,  but  promptly  rejected;  at  length,  signs 
of  their  utter  extremity,  and  for  speedy  help,  made 
from  the  highest  tower,  and  discovered  by  the 
Prince  of  Orange,  at  Delft,  and  answered  favorably 
by  the  device  of  a  carrier  dove ;  then,  along  with 
commotions  discovered  in  the  camp  of  the  enemy, 
are  heard  the  crash  of  falling  walls  and  dykes,  arid 
the  sound  of  inrushing  waters;  and  presently  are 
seen  coming  on  the  spreading  flood,  with  a  favor 
ing  gale,  at  the  opportune  moment,  boats  with 
men  and  provisions  for  their  full  relief.  Then  fol 
lowed  the  quick  dispersion  of  the  enemy ;  and  all 
is  closed  with  spontaneous  acknowledgments  of 
God's  providential  hand  in  this  their  great  deliver 
ance.8  And  this  was  Ley  den ;  a  place  again  to 


8  Ranke,  p.  146,  Brandt,  &c.    It  by  citizens  to  surrender,  such  was 

was  by  the  cutting  of  the  dykes,  the   awful   havoc    of  the  famine, 

and  letting  in  of  the  waters,  and  answered:  "Friends,  here   is  my 

a  high  wind  blowing  most  provi-  body  ;    divide   it   among   you    to 

dentially   from    the   direction    of  satisfy  your  hunger,  but   banish 

Delft,  that  the  boats  were  wafted  all   thoughts    of  surrendering    to 

direct  to   Leyden,  with  men  and  the    cruel,   perfidious    Spaniard." 

ammunition,  &c.     The  Spaniards  Taking  the  advice,  they  answered 

seeing  this  retired.     Malte  Brun,  the  enemy — they  would  hold  out 

note    Leyden.     In  the    extremity  as  long  as  they  had  one   arm  to 

of  the  siege,  their  noble  magistrate,  eat  and  another  to  fight.     London 

Adrian  De  Ver,  when  appealed  to  Encyclopedia,  article  Leyden. 


70  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

come  under  notice  as  the  residence  of  Brewster 
and  his  friends  in  years  to  come. 

These  pageants  passed;  affairs  at  the  Hague 
demanded  the  earl's  and  ambassador's  attention. 

The  States  having  lost  their  own  distinguished 
leader,  were  in  consultation  about  placing  Leicester 
in  the  chief  command — not  stopping  short  of  con 
ferring  upon  him  the  vice-royalty.  To  this  the 
ambassador,  not  being  informed  of  the  Queen's 
injunction  to  the  contrary,  appears  to  have  tacitly 
assented.9  And  soon,  on  the  part  of  the  States, 
was  the  plan  matured. 

On  a  set  day,  authorized  deputies  met  the  earl 
and  presented  to  him,  in  set  form  and  speech,  their 
proposals.  With  some  show  of  hesitation,  he 
accepted  the  overtures,  and  then,  with  almost  regal 
pomp  and  ceremony,  was  he  invested  with  nearly 
absolute  authority  (under  Elizabeth)  over  the  States 
of  the  Netherlands;  a  proceeding  that  provoked 
the  Queen's  highest  displeasure. 

This  done,  the  ambassador  and  suite  must  hasten 
their  return  to  England.  Already  had  he  been 
detained  too  long  by  the  earl,  while  the  Queen  and 
her  council  were  impatiently  awaiting  his  arrival 
home,  to  learn  by  him  the  true  state  of  affairs, 
aside  from  the  gorgeous  receptions  and  pageantry, 
wrhich  of  late  had  been  the  burden  of  the  earl's 


9  In   all  this   matter  the    earl  dor,  concealing  the  queen's  injunc- 

acted  according  to  the  promptings  tion,  and  urging  other  considera- 

of  his   own   ambition,  and   most  tions.     Leicester  Corres.,  pp.  121, 

deceptively  towards  the  anibassa-  168, 175,  333,  335. 


AMBASSADOR,  BRETVSTER,  GOLD  CHAIN.  71 

communications.  Another  and  higher  place,  also, 
had  the  Queen  in  view  for  the  ambassador.10 

On  the  eve  of  departure,  about  the  1st  of  Febru 
ary,  occurred  the  next  incident  recorded  in  respect 
to  Brews ter.  The  States  would  not  have  the  am 
bassador  depart  without  some  token  of  their  high 
appreciation  of  his  official  course.  Accordingly, 
says  Bradford,  "at  his  return,  the  States  honored 
him  with  a  gold  chain,  and  he  committed  it  to 
Brewster,  and  commanded  him  to  wear  it  when 
they  arrived  in  England,  as  they  rode  through  the 
country,  till  they  came  to  the  court."11  Aside  from 
the  honor  bestowed  upon  the  ambassador,  what  did 
his  committal  of  the  chain  to  Brewster  signify,  but 
a  mark  of  honor  and  a  token  of  his  high  estima 
tion  of  the  ability  and  faithfulness  with  which 
Brewster  had  executed  the  duties  assigned  him 
during  the  mission. 

And  what  did  the  ambassador's  commanding  him 
to  wear  the  chain  signify,  but  that  the  latter  would 
have  modestly  declined  the  honor,  unless  thus  com 
manded'?  An  honorable  testimony,  surely,  from 
him  who  bestowed  to  him  who  received! 

The  embassy  now  left  for  England.  From  the 
direction,  as  above  given,  it  would  appear  to  have 
been  their  purpose  to  pass,  by  the  way  of  the 
Brill  (the  usual  course),  over  to  Harwich,  and 

10  Leicester  Cor.,  Ill,  77,  123.        by  the  States  to  Brewster,  but  they 

11  Bradford,  410.     Some  writers     evidently  misunderstood  the  pas- 
have,  indeed,  understood  Bradford     sage. 

to  say  that  the  chain  was  given 


72  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

thence  to  ride  across  the  county  of  Essex,  70  miles, 
to  London.12  Yet  whatever  may  have  been  the 
ambassador's  intention,  their  return  finally  was 
otherwise.  Their  passage  from  the  Brill  to 
London  was  wholly  by  water.  He  thus  writes  to 
the  earl :  "  After  my  departure  from  your  lord 
ship,  I  was  detained  at  the  Brill,  some  five  or  six 
days  by  the  wind  and  weather."  "  The  Friday 
following  I  put  to  the  seas,  and  by  God's  goodness 
had  so  happy  a  passage,  as  the  next  morning,  by 
ten  or  eleven  o'clock,  we  anchored  at  the  Recei 
vers,  within  Margate,  and  the  same  night,  about 
midnight,  came  to  Gravesend,  and  from  thence 
immediately  with  the  tide  hither,  where  I  arrived 
the  next  morning  early."13 

Arrived  in  London,  the  ambassador,  having 
signified  to  Mr.  Secretary  his  readiness  to  report 
himself  at  court,  had  access  to  the  Queen  the 


same  evening. 


We  pause  not  here  to  describe  this  agitating 
interview  with  the  Queen,  nor  those  that  followed, 
nor  the  stern  conflicts  of  opinion  between  her  and 
her  chief  counsellors,  respecting  the  course  to  be 
pursued  with  the  Earl  of  Leicester.  Sufficient  is 
it  to  say,  that  it  was  not  until  after  strong  con 
tests,  in  which  Mr.  Davison  expressed  his  readi 
ness  to  retire  to  private  life,  and  even  Burleigh, 
that  able  man  of  the  age,  and  the  Queen's  long 

12  This   would   accord    literally         '3  Letter  to  the  Earl,  Feb.  17th, 
with  the  words  of  Bradford.  1586,  Leicester  Cor.,  117. 


AT  COURT;    QUEEN'S  CONFLICT  WITH  COUNCIL.      73 

tried  and  most  trusty  counsellor  in  extremities, 
declared  he  would  resign  his  place  and  leave  public 
service,  unless  her  majesty  would  yield  to  their 
united  counsels  in  the  present  emergency.  It 
was  not  until  this  had  passed,  and  the  Queen  had 
gradually  yielded,  that  matters  were  again  amica 
bly  arranged.14 

On  the  settlement  of  this  strongly  contested  and 
sorely    agitating    question    depended    Brewster's 


14  Leicester  Correspondence, 
124,  197,  193.  It  was  one 
characteristic  of  Elizabeth,  that 
she  was  slow — very  slow — in 
adopting  any  important  course  of 
action  ;  but  when  she  had  adopted 
it,  she  was  imperative  in  enforcing 
compliance.  The  keeping  of  this 
in  mind  will  help  to  explain  many 
of  her  acts  as  a  sovereign.  It  was 
her  own  declaration  to  Parliament : 
"  My  manner  is,  to  deliberate  long 
upon  that  which  is  but  once  to 
be  resolved."  [Hansard's  Parl. 
Hist,,  i.  843.]  In  the  present 
case,  the  Queen  was  doubtless 
right  in  regard  to  her  displeasure 
at  Leicester's  acceptance  of  su 
premacy  in  the  States.  Her 
honor  was  at  stake.  Consistency 
was  to  be  maintained  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Princes  of  Europe,  to  whom 
she  had  issued  her  manifesto  dis 
claiming  all  idea  of  rule  in  the 
Netherlands.  Leicester  had  con 
cealed  and  gone  contrary  to  her 
injunctions.  Therefore,  said  she, 
"I  may  not  endure  that  a  man 
shall  alter  my  commission,  and 


the  authority  that  I  gave  him, 
and  without  me."  Again,  "  It  is 
sufficient  to  make  me  infamous  to 
all  princes,  having  protested  to 
the  contrary."  On  the  other 
hand,  the  counsellors  were  right, 
in  continuing,  in  this  extremity, 
the  pledged  aid  to  the  States. 
This  was  the  prior  concern.  With 
this  nothing  should  interfere. 
Leicester  had  disobeyed ;  but  he 
could  be  privately  dealt  with,  or 
recalled  in  time,  or  the  matter  be 
settled  in  some  other  way.  The 
States  also,  had,  it  was  true,  mis 
calculated,  and  had  taken  a  false 
step.  But  they  should  not  there 
fore  be  made  to  feel  rebuke  and 
discouragement,  or  any  fear  of 
England's  desertion.  The  safety 
of  the  Queen's  own  kingdom  even 
forbade  this.  For  other  par 
ticulars,  and  further  specimens  of 
Elizabeth's  keen  perception,  #nd 
masterly  seizing,  and  setting  forth 
of  the  gist  of  a  complicated  argu 
ment,  see  particularly  in  Leicester 
Cor.,  173,  and  175. 


74  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

continued  position.  Thus  he  remained  with  Mr. 
Davison,  ready  for  any  future  service  to  which  he 
might  be  called.15  He  had  seen  much  of  men  and 
things  in  this  year  and  a  half's  embassy  abroad, 
and  had  doubtless  profited  by  all  that  he  had 
passed  through. 

15  Bradford,  410. 


CHAPTER    V. 

Modesty  winneth  good  report. — TUPPER. 

AFTER  several  weeks  of  retirement  at  his 
country  place,  in  Stepney,  Mr.  Davison,  at  the  de 
sire  of  the  Queen,  appeared  again  at  court,  and 
was  soon  after  made  one  of  her  majesty's  principal 
Secretaries  of  State,  and  also  a  member  of  her 
Privy  Council.1 

And  Brewster  having  "  continued  with  him," 
had  now  a  further  appointment  in  his  service.2 
What  his  new  position  and  duties  were,  we  are 
again  to  learn  chiefly  from  those  of  his  patron. 

"The  Secretaries  of  State  having  under  their 
management  and  direction  the  most  important 
affairs  of  the  kingdom,  were  therefore  obliged  to 
attend  constantly  on  the  sovereign.  They  received 
and  dispatched  whatever  came  to  hand  either  from 
the  crown,  the  church,  the  army,  or  whatever 
related  to  private  grants,  pardons  and  dispensa 
tions.  They  received  petitions  to  the  sovereign, 
which,  on  being  read,  were  returned  to  them.  All 

1  Camden's    Annals,    488,   and         2  Bradford,  410. 
Leicester  Cor.,  142,  343,  451,  455. 


76  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETTSTER. 

was  executed  according  to  the  sovereign's  direction. 
They  had  also  authority  to  commit  persons  for 
treason  and  other  offences  against  the  state. 
They  were  members  of  the  Privy  Council,  which 
was  seldom  or  never  held,  unless  one  of  them  was 
present.  Business  and  correspondence  within  the 
kingdom  were  managed  by  either  of  the  secretaries 
without  distinction.  But  of  foreign  affairs,  all 
was  divided  into  two  provinces  or  departments, 
Northern  and  Southern,  comprising  all  kingdoms 
and  states  having  intercourse  with  Great  Britain ; 
each  secretary  receiving  all  letters  and  addresses 
from,  and  preparing  and  forwarding  all  dispatches 
to  the  several  princes  and  states  included  within 
its  province."3 

Placed  in  this  high  position,  Mr.  Davison  was 
contemporary  with  the  far  famed  Sir  Francis 
Walsingham.  "  And  these  offices,  it  may  be 
affirmed"  (says  the  learned  Dr.  Kippis),  "were 
now  as  well  filled  as  in  any  period  that  can  be 
assigned  in  our  history ;  and  yet  by  persons  of 
very  different,  or  rather  opposite  dispositions ; 
Walsingham  being  a  man  of  great  art  and 
intrigue,  and  not  displeased  to  be  thought  such ; 
whose  capacity  was  deeper  than  those  who  under 
stood  it  best  apprehended  it  to  be.  Davison,  on  the 
other  hand,  had  a  just  reputation  for  wisdom  and 
probity;  and  though  he  had  been  concerned  in 
many  intricate  affairs,  yet  preserved  a  character 

3  London  Encyclopaedia,  article  Secretary. 


SECRETARY  DAVISON;    BRETTSTER.  77 

so  unspotted,  that  to  this  time,  nothing  he  had 
done  could  draw  on  him  the  least  imputation."4 

And  not  only  had  he  this  high  unblemished 
character  as  a  statesman,  but  his  "  virtue,  religion, 
and  worth,"  in  the  words  of  the  Earl  of  Essex, 
"  were  taken  to  be  so  great,  as  that  no  man  had 
more  general  love  than  he."5 

With  such  a  Christian  statesman,  and  in  the 
high  duties  of  the  secretary's  office,  it  was  Brews- 
ter's  privilege  now  to  be  employed.  Already  has 
it  been  specified  as  the  duty  of  a  secretary  of 
state,  to  attend  constantly  on  the  sovereign?  For 
this  purpose,  "  in  all  the  royal  houses,  the  Secre 
taries  of  State  had  each  his  apartment  as  well  for 
his  own  accommodation,  as  his  office,  and  those 
who  attended  upon  it.  They  had  each  of  them 
two  under  secretaries  and  clerks,  attending  the 
office,  and  of  their  own  choice,  without  any 
dependence  upon  any  other ;  and  those  places 
•  were  of  considerable  profit."7  Consequently,  now, 
at  whichever  of  the  royal  residences  the  Queen 
might  be,  Secretary  Davison  was  present  with 
those  holding  appointment  under  him ;  all  attend 
ing  upon  their  respective  duties. 

Which  of  those  positions,  specifically,  Brewster 

4  Biographia  Britannica,  article  he     "  went    to    the    court    con- 
Davison,  v.  6.  tinually,"  as  the  case  and  daily 

5  The    Earl's    Letter    to    King  duty  required.    Life  of  Davison. 
James,  in  article  Davison,  v.  6.  do.  7  Beatson's   Political   Index,  i. 

6  To  this  end,  Mr.  Davison  had  398. 
"  a  house  in  London,"  from  which 


8  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


held,  it  would  be  gratifying  to  us  to  know:  but 
we  must  be  content  with  Bradford's  statements, 
which  designate,  not,  indeed,  the  office  by  name, 
but,  what  is  of  far  more  consequence,  the  confi 
dential  nature  of  his  duties,  and  his  rare  qualifica 
tions  for  their  performance. 

First,  "  the  secretary  found  him  so  discreet  and 
faithful  that  he  trusted  him  above  all  others  that 
were  about  him."  Next,  "  he  only  employed  him 
in  all  matters  of  greatest  trust  and  secrecy."  In 
a  position  of  such  trust,  and  employed  in  matters 
of  state  thus  confidential,  a  position  at  all  times 
important,  but  especially  so  in  the  critical  circum 
stances  in  which  the  Queen  and  her  kingdom  were 
now  placed,  Brewster  stands  before  us,  a  person  of 
no  little  interest. 

In  addition  to  this,  in  social  intercourse,  "  the 
secretary  esteemed  him  rather  as  a  son  than  as  a 
servant,"  or  official  subordinate  ;  "  and,  for  his 
wisdom  and  piety,  he  would  converse  with  him  in 
private  more  like  a  familiar  friend  than  as  a  mas 
ter."3  Discretion,  faithfulness,  wisdom,  and  piety, 
not  favoritism,  then,  won  for  him  the  place  and 
this  high  confidence. 

But  it  is  not  only  on  the  outward  position  and 
duties  of  his  high  trust,  putting  his  rare  qualities 
to  a  test,  that  we  here  look  ;  but  we  are  enabled 
to  look  within,  to  see  something  of  the  inner  man. 
We  mark  the  principles  and  qualities  in  the  youth, 

8  Bradford,  409,  410. 


BREWSTER'S  DUTIES;  QUEEN;  KINGDOM.         79 

which,  developing  more  and  more,  became,  in  after 
life,  the  prominent  characteristics  of  the  matured 
man. 

It  was  now  the  summer  of  1586,  and  Brewster 
was  in  about  his  26th  year,  and  his  patron  in  his 
48th.  We  have  already  remarked  upon  this  period 
as  one  most  critical  and  trying  to  the  Queen  and 
to  the  kingdom.  This  and  the  following  year  were 
years  of  peculiar  perplexities.  No  one  can  read 
the  Parliamentary  debates,  in  either  House,  during 
the  time,  and  the  addresses  and  messages  between 
them  and  the  Queen  and  Council,  without  being 
made  sensible  of  this  fact.9 

Philip  of  Spain,  aroused  by  Elizabeth's  alliance 
with  the  United  Provinces,  and  the  aid  she  had 
sent  them,  was  secretly  preparing  immense  arma 
ments,  naval  and  military,  not  only  to  reduce  those 
States  again  to  submission,  and  punish  them  for 
their  so-called  rebellion,  but  to  carry,  with  all 
energy,  the  war  into  England.  Hence  the  mighty 
"armada,"  ere  long  to  hover  in  terrific  power  as 
over  one  vast  scene  of  prey  and  plunder,  over  the 
whole  southern  coast  of  the  kingdom.  In  concert 
with  this  mighty  armament,  had  a  league  (as  was 
believed)  been  entered  into  in  France,  Italy 
Spain,  and  Germany,  to  put  down  Protestantism 
in  Europe,  and  dethrone  Elizabeth,  or  at  least  to 
provide  a  Roman  Catholic  successor  to  the  English 

9  Hansard's  Parliamentary  Debates,  and   Simon  D'Ewes'  Journal, 
during  the  years  1586  and  1587. 


80  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREYTSTER. 

throne.10  Plots  to  this  end  had  been  formed,  and 
were  believed  to  be  still  forming,  in  England — 
plots  even  to  assassinate  the  Queen,  as  the  Prince 
of  Orange  before  had  been. 

To  discover  and  foil  these  attempts,  to  forestall 
the  movements  of  her  powerful  and  combining 
enemies,  called  for  all  the  penetration,  activity, 
and  skill  of  Elizabeth's  wisest  statesmen.  For  the 
first  of  these  tasks,  the  other  and  more  aged  secre 
tary,  Walsingham,  was  peculiarly  fitted,  and  in 
these  he  chose  to  take  the  principal  part.  But 
the  affairs  connected  with  the  Earl  of  Leicester, 
the  providing  against  the  disappointment  felt  in 
the  Low  Countries,  as  well  as  in  England,  in  con 
sequence  of  his  humiliating  inefficiency,  misman 
agement,  and  the  inglorious  results,  after  his 
pompous  beginnings,  these  fell  to  the  share  of 
Secretary  Davison.  Adding  to  the  great  perplexity 
and  danger,  the  fate  of  the  Queen  of  Scots  was 
now  to  be  determined.  She  was  believed  to  be, 
at  this  very  critical  period,  in  secret  correspond 
ence  with  the  enemies  of  the  Queen  and  of  the 
Protestant  faith.11 

To  name  other  particulars  here  would  be  need 
less.  Sufficient  is  it  to  have  alluded  to  these,  in 
connection  with  the  current  duties  of  the  day,  to 
indicate  what  must  have  been  a  portion,  at  least, 
of  those  "  matters  of  greatest  trust  and  secrecy," 

10  Ranke,  153,    160,  187.     Acta         »  Life  of  Davison,  and  Leices. 
liegia,  and  Turner's  History  Eng.,     Corres. 
in  the  same  years. 


EDWIN  SANDYS  AND  GEORGE  CRANMER.  81 

in  which  Brewster  was  "employed"  in  the  office 
of  Secretary  Davison. 

But  before  proceeding  further,  we  will  bring  to 
notice  two  persons,  one  of  whom  is  about  this  time 
received  into  the  secretary's  office,  and  the  other 
becomes  afterwards  Brewster's  valued  and  efficient 
friend. 

Some  fifteen  years  before,  or  about  the  year  1571, 
two  truly  Christian  Bishops,  Jewel  and  Sandys, 
who  had  once,  for  their  Protestant  faith,  been  in 
long  and  dreary  exile  together  from  country  and 
home,  in  the  time  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Mary, 
and  had  there  formed  a  stronger  than  earthly 
friendship,  met  often  in  affectionate  intercourse 
after  their  return ;  the  former  incidentally,  near  the 
time  of  the  above  date,  made  mention  of  a  young 
Richard  Hooker,  of  whom  he  had  been  the  patron. 
And  such  an  account  of  his  learning,  life,  and 
manners  did  he  give,  that  Sandys,  though  educated 
and  having  strong  attachments  at  Cambridge, 
resolved  that  his  son  Edwin  should  be  sent  to 
Oxford,  and  "by  all  means  be  a  pupil  of  Mr. 
Hooker."  "For,"  said  he,  "I  will  have  a  tutor 
for  my  son  that  shall  teach  him  learning  by  instruc 
tion,  and  virtue  by  example ;  and  my  greatest  care 
shall  be  of  this  last ;  and  (God  willing)  this  Richard 
Hooker  shall  be  the  man  to  whose  hands  I  will 
commit  my  Edwin."  Scarcely  had  two  years  passed 
when  the  resolve  was  carried  into  execution.12 

12  Walton's  Life  of  Hooker,  and  notes  prefixed  to  his  Ecclesiastical 
Polity.  Oxford  ed.,  p.  66. 


82  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Hooker,  now  in  his  19th  year,  and,  for  his  age, 
one  of  the  maturest  scholars  in  the  university,  had 
under  his  tuition  other  pupils,  among  whom  was 
young  George  Cranmer,  grand  nephew  of  the 
martyred  archbishop  of  that  name.  With  such  a 
teacher  and  such  pupils,  most  happily  passed  the 
years  of  their  preparatory,  and  most  of  their  uni 
versity  course,  to  the  great  advantage  of  all,  "but 
especially,"  says  Walton,  "  of  his  first  two,  his  dear 
Edwin  Sandys  and  his  as  dear  George  Cranmer." 

In  the  mean  time,  there  grew  up  between  the 
pupils  and  their  tutor  a  friendship,  so  founded  on 
religious  principles,  and  so  free  from  selfish  ends, 
a  friendship  so  blessed  and  spiritual,  matured 
through  many  years  in  that  university,  until  it 
became,  says  Walton,  "  so  improved  and  perfected, 
that  it  even  bordered  upon  heaven."  The  time 
coming  when  they  must  leave  the  halls  of  learning 
for  the  active  duties  of  life,  Sandys  and  Cranmer, 
still  united,  travel  together  on  the  Continent; 
together  visit  France,  Germany,  and  Italy;  to 
gether  search  out  the  state  of  religion  in  each, 
and  gather  stores  of  knowledge  for  future  use ;  and 
together,  after  three  years'  absence,  they  return  to 
England. 

And  here  we  have  reached  the  point  for  which, 
and  what  follows,  this  notice  of  them  has  been 
introduced. 

Cranmer  enters  the  service  of  Secretary  Davison, 
and  becomes  an  associate  in  office  with  Brewster. 


BRETVSTER'S  ASSOCIATES.  83 

Sandys,  Cranmer's  endeared  friend,  might  now,  if 
he  had  not  before,  become  acquainted  with 
Brewster.  Cranmer,  henceforth  Brewster's  com 
panion  in  office,  is  engaged  with  him  in  its 
responsible,  and  to  their  chief,  most  hazardous 
duties. 

Edwin  Sandys  becomes  the  author  of  the 
"  Europse  Speculum,"  or  "  View  of  the  State  of 
Religion  in  the  Western  Parts  of  Europe,"  and  in 
time,  Sir  Edwin  Sandys,  and  an  eminent  states 
man  ;  "  a  man  (says  Fuller),  right-handed  to  any 
great  employment,  with  a  commanding  pen, 
corresponding  with  Hooker  respecting  his  great 
work,  also  a  member  of  Parliament,  and  as  con 
stant  in  attendance  as  the  speaker  himself,  a 
patriot  advocating  legal  rights  at  home,  and 
colonial  settlements  and  rights  abroad ;  and  though 
sometimes  displeasing  to  King  James,  yet  after 
all  faithful  to  his  country  without  being  false  to 
his  sovereign."13 

But  his  friendly  and  Christian  correspondence 
with  Brewster  it  was,  and  active  efforts  for  him 
and  his  people,  hereafter  to  be  noticed,  that  will 
cause  his  name  to  be  handed  down  with  gratitude 
and  honor,  by  the  Pilgrims'  descendants  to  the 
latest  posterity. 

Cranmer's  name  stands  connected  with  one  of 
the  most  critical  transactions  of  Secretary  Davison's 

13  Fuller's  Worthies,  article  Sandys,  also  Chalmer's  Annals  of  Vir 
ginia.     Bancroft's  United  States,  i.  156,  158,  191. 


84  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

life.14  That  period  being  past,  he  becomes 
secretary  to  Sir  Henry  Killegrew's  embassy  to 
France.  Aids  or  counsels  Hooker  also  in  respect 
to  his  "  Ecclesiastical  Polity ;"  of  which  his  epistle 
or  treatise,  addressed  to  him  in  1589,  is  ample 
evidence.15  But  ere  long  his  career,  and  with  it 
the  great  hopes  entertained  of  him,  were  brought 
to  an  unexpected  close.  Having  been  solicited 
by  Lord  Mountjoy,  he  accompanied  that  personage 
as  his  secretary  to  Ireland ;  where,  at  the  battle 
near  Carlingford,  he  fell  mortally  wounded,  and 
soon  after  expired. 

But  William  Brewster's  course,  less  marked  and 
brilliant  at  the  time,  indeed,  than  were  those  of 
his  two  associates,  especially  that  of  his  friend, 
Sir  Edwin,  was  yet,  as  the  event  will  show,  of 
much  longer  duration  and  more  eventful,  far 
more  trying  to  flesh  and  blood,  and  of  immensely 
greater  interest  in  its  far-reaching  results. 

14  The  execution  of  the  Queen  going    to  my  Lord   Chancellor's, 

of  Scots.     "  The  next  morning   I  until  I  heard  from  her."     Davi- 

received   a   letter  from    Cranmer  son's  Apology.     Biog.  Britannica, 

my  servant,  whom  I  left  at  court,  v.  10. 

signifying    to    me  her   majesty's  15  Introduction      to      Hooker's 

pleasure,   that    I   should   forbear  works,  64,  72. 


CHAPTER    VI. 


True  dignity  is  never  gained  by  place, 

And  never  lost  when  honors  are  withdrawn. — MASSINGEK. 


LET  us  enter  the  official  apartments  of  Secretary 
Davison  at  court,  and  try  to  ascertain,  as  far  as 
we  may,  the  spirit  or  governing  principle  by 
which  affairs  were  there  conducted. 

A  little  examination  enables  us  to  discover, 
underneath  and  mingling  with  all  the  multifarious 
plans  of  business,  anxious  consultations,  and 
intercourse  with  the  Queen,  with  the  several 
departments,  and  with  other  nations — a  powerful 
element,  which  no  political  combinations,  no  arts, 
or  crooked  policy  could  overcome ;  a  firm  principle, 
not  officiously  or  obtrusively,  but  mildly  pervading 
all.  It  was  none  other  than  Christian  principle. 
Of  its  pervading  influence  in  the  manner  men 
tioned,  the  correspondence  of  the  office,  and  the 
well  known  character  of  the  secretary,  bear 
ample  testimony.  And  that  in  this  there  was 
united  action,  as  far  as  we  can  discover,  appears 
from  the  character  of  Cranmer,  as  developed  in 
his  college  life  with  Hooker  and  Sandys,  and  in 
his  continental  tour,  the  influence  of  which  was 


86  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

now  brought  into  the  office.  Equally  evident  is 
the  fact  from  the  character  which  Brewster 
brought  with  him  from  the  university  and  from 
his  service  in  the  Netherlands. 

Thus  far,  at  least,  amidst  the  ambitions  of  the 
court,  the  intrigues  and  base  acts  of  such  as 
Leicester,  the  wiles  and  craft  of  Walsingham,  in 
this  office  was  felt,  and  from  it  went  forth  an 
influence  grateful  to  every  Christian  patriot.  Here 
was  a  green  spot  (we  trust  there  were  others)  on 
which  the  eye  of  every  real  lover  of  his  country 
could  rest  with  elevated  and  cheering  satisfaction. 

And  we  may  here  reiterate  how  in  hours  of 
retirement,  and  apparently  in  his  family,  the 
secretary  conversed  with  Brewster,  not  only  upon 
affairs  of  the  office  and  of  state,  but  upon  the 
concerns  of  religion.  A  rare  privilege  surely  it 
was  to  the  young  man,  to  be  permitted  in  free 
social  intercourse,  thus  to  gather  instruction  from 
the  experienced  Christian  statesman.  Nor  can  we 
doubt  that  a  similar  privilege  was  enjoyed  by 
Cranmer,  and  that  probably  there  were  occasional 
visits  from  Sandys. 

And  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  in  the  house  of 
prayer,  how  must  it  have  been'?  and  also,  as 
Christ's  disciples  and  as  Christian  friends  at  the 
Lord's  table,1  the  elevated  in  station  with  the  more 

1  That  the  Secretary,  and  these  from    the     fact    that     this    was 

his  assistants  in  office  were  thus  required  by  law,  but  from  what  is 

communicants  in  the  established  known  of  their  lives, 
church,   is    evident,   not    merely 


GREAT  AND  AGITATING  QUESTIONS.  87 

humble  in  position;  the  Lord  himself  being  the 
maker  of  them  all  I 

Who  can  estimate  in  all  this  the  amount  of 
influence  for  good,  at  home  and  abroad,  discreetly 
exerted  I  Who  shall  estimate  the  strengthening 
influence  upon  the  mind  of  Brewster  I 

But  the  summer  of  1586  was  drawing  to  a 
close.  Great  questions  agitated  the  court  and  the 
nation.  These  could  not  but  absorb  the  chief 
attention  of  the  secretary  and  all  in  his  employ. 
On  the  5th  of  October,  Mr.  Davison  had  been 
appointed  on  the  commission  to  try  the  Queen  of 
Scots ;  but  he  appears  not  to  have  been  present  at 
the  trial.  If  he  approved  of  it,  it  is  more  than 
we  can  discover ;  he  seems  at  least  to  have  left  the 
responsibility  to  others.  Yet  the  trial  took  place ; 
the  fearful  sentence  was  passed. 

It  is  not  for  us  to  examine  here  the  reasons,  the 
justice  or  injustice,  policy  or  impolicy,  of  that 
transaction.  It  has  been  matter  of  discussion  and 
of  divided  opinion  from  that  day  to  the  present. 
And  that  Queen's  pitiable  condition  and  end 
have  awakened  sympathy  wherever  the  sad  tale 
has  been  told. 

It  is  due,  however,  to  historic  truth,  to  say  that, 
after  the  trial  and  sentence,  both  houses  of  Parlia 
ment,  after  a  long  discussion  of  the  question,  unit 
edly  petitioned,  nay,  importunately  urged  Queen 
Elizabeth  to  have  the  sentence  put  in  execution. 
Elizabeth,  delaying  long,  apparently  in  great  doubt 
and  perplexity,  answered :  "  That,  moved  with  some 


88  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

commiseration  for  the  Scottish  Queen,  in  respect 
to  her  former  dignity  and  great  fortunes  in  her 
younger  years,  her  nearness  of  kindred,  and  also 
her  sex,  her  highness  could  be  well  pleased  to 
forbear  taking  her  life,  if  by  any  other  means  to 
be  devised  by  the  great  council  of  the  realm,  the 
safety  of  her  majesty's  person  and  government 
might  be  preserved  without  ruin  and  destruction." 
To  this,  after  "many  speeches"  and  "debates," 
both  Houses,  by  their  committees,  replied,  "all 
with  one  consent,"  that  "  they  could  find  no  other 
way  than  what  was  set  down  in  their  petition;" 
"that  the  sentence  be  put  in  speedy  execution." 
"And  if  the  same  be  not  put  in  speedy  execution, 
her  most  loving  and  dutiful  subjects  shall  thereby, 
so  far  as  man's  reason  can  reach,  be  brought  into 
utter  despair  of  the  continuance  among  them  of 
the  true  religion  of  Almighty  God,  and  of  her 
majesty's  life,  and  the  safety  of  her  faithful  sub 
jects."2 

Elizabeth,  still  hesitating  and  delaying,  sends  to 
them,  again,  one  of  her  answerless  answers :  "If 
I  shall  say  unto  you  that  I  mean  not  to  grant  your 
petition,  by  my  faith  I  should  say  unto  you  more 
than  perhaps  I  mean.  And  if  I  should  say  unto 
you  I  mean  to  grant  your  petition,  I  should  then 
tell  you  more  than  it  is  fit  for  you  to  know.  And 

2  Hansard's  Parl.  Hist.,  i.  pp.  operating,  see  also  Ranke's  Hist. 
838,  839,  841,  843,  844.  As  an  of  the  Popes,  p.  167.  Also  Hal- 
illustration  of  the  state  of  the  lam's  Const.  Hist.,  vol.  i.  pp.  154, 
public  mind,  and  the  causes  then  155,  &c. 


QUEEN  OF  SCOT'S  EXECUTION.  89 

thus  I  must  deliver  unto  you  my  answer  answer- 
less."3 

During  all  these  proceedings,  the  unhappy  Queen 
of  Scots  had  not  one  advocate  in  either  House  that 
would  or  durst  plead  in  her  favor.  The  current 
against  her  was  so  strong  that  it  would  have  over 
thrown  all  opposers,  and  involved  them  in  the 
same  ruin.  Nay,  there  was  evident  fear  on  the 
part  of  the  Commons  that  some  method  might  be 
proposed,  or  foreign  influence  exerted,  to  prevent 
the  execution.  Therefore,  many  of  them  were 
for  taking  measures  to  cut  off  all  attempts  at  such 
interference.  On  the  2d  of  December,  Parliament 
was  adjourned,  and  the  Queen  and  court  were  left 
to  act  on  their  own  responsibility  in  the  approach 
ing  crisis. 

Reports  of  leagues  abroad,  and  plots  at  home, 
and  of  the  threatening  Spanish  invasion,  were  the 
topics  of  the  day.4  But  how  the  sentence  against 
the  condemned  Queen  was  to  be  put  in  execution, 
became  the  absorbing  theme.  Some  were  for  put 
ting  her  out  of  the  way  privately.  This  course 
was  proposed  or  advocated  by  Leicester  (now  re 
turned  from  the  States)  and  was  concurred  in  by 
Walsingham.  Davison,  if  the  execution  was  to 
take  place,  was  for  the  legal  course  only.  Long 
and  decidedly  did  he  argue  with  the  Queen  in  the 

3  Hansard,  as  before.  argument  with  the  Queen,  in  his 

4  See    the  last  and    preceding     Apology ;    Davison's  Life,  Appen- 
reforences,  and  Mr.  Davison's  own     dix. 


90  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

council  chamber,  and  in  more  retired  interviews, 
on  this  point.5 

The  year  closed,  and  that  of  1587  opened  with 
fearful  forebodings.  For  more  than  six  weeks  was 
the  public  mind  held  in  suspense. 

At  length  the  time  arrived.  It  was  the  time  of 
peril  to  Secretary  Davison,  and  a  turning  point  in 
the  life  of  Brewster. 

Elizabeth  resolved  on  the  long  delayed  execu 
tion.  She  had  tried,  in  various  ways,  to  shun  the 
responsibility,  and  to  escape  from  the  odium  of  the 
final  act.  Walsingham  escaped  it,  having  declared 
himself  sick. 

In  the  turn  of  affairs,  on  Secretary  Davison  was 
made  to  rest  the  chief  burden  of  attending  to  the 
legal  process.  Her  majesty  summoned  him  to 
bring  the  warrant  for  her  signature,  and  having 
signed  it,  she  directed  him  to  bear  it  to  the  Lord 
Chancellor,  for  the  great  seal;  still  pressing  the 
idea  of  its  execution  privately.  Borne  to  the 
chancellor,  and  the  seal  being  affixed,  and  her 
majesty  informed  of  the  fact,  she  seemed  to  blame 
the  haste  of  the  secretary,  still  suggesting  some 
other  way  of  proceeding,  yet  giving  no  counter- 
direction.  Davison,  as  directed,  informed  and 
consulted  with  Walsingham,  and  there  being  no 
hint  to  stay  proceedings,  and  he,  not  willing  to 
assume  the  responsibility  of  acting  alone,  advised 
with  the  chief  members  of  the  Privy  Council,  and 

5  See  preceding  note. 


SACRIFICE  OF   SECRETARY  DAVISON.  91 

left  with  them  the  warrant.  They  sent  it  to  the 
named  officials  to  proceed  therewith.  The  execu 
tion  soon  followed — that  act  which  Bishop  Burnet 
pronounces  the  "greatest  blemish  of  this  reign."6 

Two  clays  had  passed,  when  information  arrived 
of  the  execution.  The  Queen,  at  first  quiet,  at 
length  broke  out  into  the  most  violent  expressions 
of  grief,  blaming  and  threatening  the  chief  mem 
bers  of  her  council.  As  an  evasion,  and  to  disarm 
resentment  abroad,  she  pronounced  the  act,  "  that 
miserable  accident."  But  there  must  be  a  victim; 
and,  as  if  to  confirm  her  assertion,  and  shield  her 
self,  the  able,  upright,  noble-hearted  Davison  must 
be  sacrificed.  Committed  to  the  tower,  and  soon 
after  brought  to  trial  before  the  Star  Chamber 
Court,  and  charged  with  revealing  the  Queen's 
counsels  to  her  privy  counsellors,  and  with  pre 
sumption  in  having  executed  her  majesty's  order, 
he  finds  himself  in  this  dilemma:  that,  to  prove 
himself  to  have  been  faithful  and  upright,  he  must 
prove  his  royal  mistress  to  have  been  unscrupulous 
and  false.  This  he  would  not  do;  but,  with  a 
noble  purpose  of  soul,  he  committed  himself  to 
the  court  and  the  Queen's  clemency,  resolved  to 
suffer  all  for  his  country's  and  her  majesty's  sake, 
trusting  that  in  the  end  her  sense  of  right,  and 
consciousness  that  he  was  suffering  for  her  sake, 
would  cause  her  to  make  all  honorable  amends. 

The  court,  though  pronouncing   him  to   be  a 

6  Burnet's  History  of  the  Reformation,  vol.  i.  p.  592. 


92  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

good,  able,  honest  man,  yet  influenced  by  state 
policy,  and  to  shield  the  Queen,  fined  him  10,000 
marks,  and  committed  him  to  the  tower,  during 
her  majesty's  pleasure.7 

The  effects  of  all  this  upon  the  mind  of  Brevv- 
ster  may  be  easily  conceived.  Sharing  largely,  no 
doubt,  in  the  secretary's  sentiments,  day  by  day, 
and  step  by  step,  must  he  have  marked  the  whole 
proceeding.  With  pained  heart  must  he  have  felt 
its  blighting  influence.  The  generous  and  patri 
otic  impulses  of  youth  must  have  been  chilled  in 
him,  on  discovering  such  ungrateful  returns,  from 
the  highest  in  power,  for  the  most  devoted  service. 
While  to  see  his  loved  patron  sacrificed,  his  estate 
ruined,  his  good  name  apparently  blasted,  his  noble 
form  and  fine  voice  almost  paralyzed  at  the  unex 
pected  blow,8  must  have  produced  upon  his  mind 
— wrought  in  upon  his  inmost  soul,  an  impression 
which  no  circumstances  could  remove,  no  time 
obliterate. 


7  Camden's  Annals  of  Elizabeth;  of    Davison,   in    Biographia    Bri- 

State  Trials,  article  Davison ;  Ra-  tannica ;     and     Sir    Nicolas     H. 

pin's  Strictures   on  Camden,  and  Nicholas'  Life  of  Davison,  p.  158. 
the  Court's  Decision,  ii.  302,  303,         8  State  Trials,  art.  Davison,  i. 

358,  359  ;  Dr.  Kippis'  Vindication,  p.  1230. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

The  gloomiest  day  hath  gleams  of  light. — MRS.  HEMANS. 

WE  left  William  Brewster,  last,  in  a  sorely  try 
ing  condition.  Hitherto  his  course  had  apparently 
been  one  of  prosperity;  but  now,  the  patron  with 
whom  he  had  been  so  intimately  and  honorably 
connected  being  thrust  from  his  high  office,  and 
committed  to  the  Tower,  his  own  cherished  plans 
in  life  were  broken  up,  and  his  fair  prospects 
blighted. 

What  was  he  to  do'?  Shall  he,  as  the  world 
in  general  does,  and  as  perhaps  many  friends  may 
have  advised,  desert  the  fallen,  shun  such  inter 
course  as  would  connect  himself  with  him,  and, 
joining  the  general  current,  push  his  way  to  office 
under  some  other  chief?  Such  is  not  Christian 
friendship — such  was  not  Brewster's.  The  histo 
rian  records  it,  and  it  was  worthy  of  record :  "  He 
remained  with  Mr.  Davison  some  good  time  after 
that  he  was  put  from  his  place,  doing  him  many 
faithful  offices  of  service  in  the  time  of  his  trou 
bles."1 

1  Bradford,  410. 


94  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Thus  is  presented  another  trait  in  Brewster's 
character,  a  nobleness  of  soul,  readiness  to  make 
sacrifices  for  others'  good,  especially  in  aiding  and 
comforting  the  depressed  and  afflicted,  and  that 
too,  not  merely  from  the  impulse  of  the  moment, 
which  soon  ends,  but  (as  in  this  case)  by  many 
offices  of  service,  faithfully  continued. 

Precisely  what  these  many  offices  of  service  were, 
we  are  not  told.  Yet,  from  the  circumstances,  we 
may  well  suppose  them  to  have  been :  visiting  him 
often  in  his  prison,  unobtrusively  sympathizing 
with  him  and  offering  all  personal  attentions,  and 
aid  in  securing  valued  papers  and  scattered  re 
mains,  if  any,  of  his  ruined  estate. 

To  the  Tower,  then,  to  which  Davison  had  been 
committed — that  far-famed  Tower  of  London,  the 
varied  history  of  which,  and  the  strangely  con 
trasted  and  thrilling  scenes  within  which,  would 
fill  volumes  with  facts  "  stranger  than  fiction" — to 
that  vast  pile  on  the  bank  of  the  Thames — not, 
indeed,  to  its  regal  apartments,  but  to  its  drearier 
halls  and  cells,  Brewster  evidently  went,  following 
his  revered  friend,  seeking,  by  all  the  acts  which 
faithful  friendship  could  devise,  to  alleviate  his 
trials. 

Specifically  how  long  these  many  offices  of  friend 
ship  were  continued  by  Brewster  is  undetermined. 
The  recorded  expression,  "some  good  time  after," 
though  of  value,  like  many  others  equally  tantaliz 
ing  in  the  writings  of  Bradford,  conveys  but  a  very 
indefinite  idea.  To  suppose  it  to  have  been  until 


EFFORTS  TO  RESTORE  BREWSTER'S  PATRON.         95 

all  hope  of  Mr.  Davison's  release  and  restoration 
to  office  was  at  an  end,  would  seem,  indeed,  at 
first  thought,  to  be  reasonable,  yet  it  is  found  to 
be  improbable.  There  was  hope  of  his  restoration, 
even  strong  hope,  long  continued. 

No  sooner  had  the  Lord  Chancellor  Burleigh, 
chief  among  counsellors,  heard  of  the  committal, 
than  he  wrote  to  the  Queen  most  urgently  in  his 
behalf.  "  I  cannot  in  duty  forbear  to  put  your 
majesty  in  mind  that,  if  Mr.  Davison  be  committed 
to  the  Tower,  who  best  knoweth  his  own  cause,  the 
example  will  be  sorrowful  to  all  your  faithful  serv 
ants,  and  joyful  to  your  enemies."  "  Sure  I  am,  and 
I  presume  to  have  some  judgment  therein,  I  know 
not  a  man  in  the  land  so  furnished  universally  for 
the  place.2  Neither  know  I  any  that  can  come  near 
him."  And  if  this  did  not  reach  the  Queen,  the 
following  did:  "What  your  majesty  minded  to 
him  in  your  displeasure,  I  hear  to  my  grief;  but 
for  a  servant  in  that  place,  I  think  it  hard  to  find 
a  like  qualified  person:  whom  to  ruin  in  your 
heavy  displeasure,  shall  be  more  your  majesty's 
loss  than  his."3 

The  Earl  of  Essex  also  put  forth  his  powerful 
influence  with  the  Queen  to  the  same  end.  And 
so  encouraged  was  he  of  success,  that  he  informed 
Mr.  Davison,  "  he  dared  promise  himself  it  would 
be  done ;"  or  even  "  a  better  state"  or  office  pro- 

2  That  is,  the  Secretaryship.  372,  or  Oxford  ed.,  vol.  iii.  part  i. 

3  Strype's   Annals,  vol.  iii.  p.     p.  542. 


96  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

vided.4  And  lest  the  Queen  should  object  on 
account  of  her  official  declaration  to  James  of 
Scotland,  the  earl  addressed  that  prince  in  relation 
to  the  deprived  Secretary — a  "  man  beloved  of  the 
best  and  most  religious  of  the  land ;  of  whose  suffi 
ciency  in  council  and  matters  of  state,  the  Queen 
confessed  she  had  not  in  her  kingdom  such  another;" 
adding,  "  If,  to  a  man  so  worthy  in  himself,  and  so 
esteemed  of  all  men,  my  words  might  avail,  I 
would  assure  your  majesty  you  would  get  great 
honor  and  great  love,  not  only  in  England,  but  in 
all  parts  of  Christendom  where  Mr.  Davison  is 
known,  if  you  would  now  be  the  author  of  his 
restoring  to  his  place."  And  this  bears  date  more 
than  two  years  after  the  committal.  Even  in  1590, 
more  than  three  years  after  that  event,  this  earl, 
with  other  chief  men  of  the  council,  made  another 
strong  effort.5 

The  veteran  Secretary  Walsingham  had  died; 
and  even  the  place  made  vacant  by  Davison's  re 
moval,  appears,  through  this  earl's  influence,  to 
have  been  kept  vacant.  The  effort,  therefore,  now 
was,  that  Davison  might  succeed  Walsingham. 
Indeed,  it  is  stated  that  he  was  in  some  way  em 
ployed  in  performing  the  duties  of  that  place  dur 
ing  Walsingham's  long  sickness,  though  not  appear 
ing  in  the  presence  of  the  Queen. 

But  Sir  Robert  Cecil,  son  of  the  Chancellor 
Burleigh,  was  now  the  rival  candidate.  At  length, 

4  Cabala,  part  i.  pp.  213, 215.     5  Camden's  Annals,  p.  621,  and  Cabala. 


DAYISON  XOT  RESTORED;    HIS  CHARACTER.        97 

after  a  strong  contest,  the  place  was  refused  to 
Davison,  and  given  to  Cecil.6 

The  Queen  informed  the  earl,  "  he  must  rest 
satisfied,  for  she  was  thus  resolved;"  though  she 
had  confessed  to  him  that,  on  the  former  occasion, 
Davison  had  been  "  the  man  of  her  own  choice," 
and  "  that  which  was  laid  to  his  charge,  was 
merely  for  her  safety  both  of  state  and  person."7 


6  Aikin's  Court  of  Elizabeth,  ii. 
230. 

7  Ecirl  of  Essex's  Letters,  Cabala, 
part     ii.;     also    A.     Strickland's 
Queens    of    Eng.,    vii.    113.      Sir 
Robert  was  appointed   in  full  at 
Nonsuch,  2d  of  August,  1591. 

For  the  reader  whose  interest 
has  been  so  far  awakened  as  to 
call  for  something  more  respecting 
Mr.  Davison,  a  few  additional  facts 
are  here  subjoined.  First,  his 
ability  and  skilfulness  as  a  states 
man.  After  the  full,  clear,  un 
biased  statements  of  his  great 
worth,  acknowledged  ability,  tried 
skill  and  wisdom,  declared  by 
Burleigh,  Leicester,  and  the  Earl 
of  Essex,  though  differing  from 
him  in  many  things,  also  by  the 
Queen  and  the  council  generally, 
it  is  with  no  little  regret  that  we 
are  obliged  to  impute  to  court 
influence,  or  prejudice,  the  dero 
gatory  intimations  in  Camden's 
History.  Says  Dr.  Kippis, "  What 
ever  motives  those  authors  might 
have  had  who  lived  near  those 
times,  to  palliate  or  conceal  the 
circumstances  of  that  action  which 
7 


proved  the  cause  of  Mr.  Davison's 
fall,  we  lie  under  no  temptation, 
and  are  free  from  any  inclination 
to  hide  or  throw  a  shade  over 
truth.  Bringing  into  open  day 
these  singular  and  interesting 
points,  we  not  only  rectify  partial 
accounts  contained  in  private  me 
moirs,  and  supply  the  deficiencies 
in  general  histories,  but  apply  to 
their  proper  use,  and  bring  to 
public  view,  in  an  agreeable  light, 
these  remains  of  those  stirring 
times,  which  might  otherwise  lie 
hid  in  studies,  and  be  at  most 
known  only  to  very  few." 

As  to  further  particulars.  On 
the  rejection  of  his  last  appeal  to 
the  Queen,  in  1590,  he  gave  up  all 
hope  of  further  public  life.  How 
long  he  was  confined  in  the  tower 
we  know  not,  but  there  are  inti 
mations  of  his  being  at  liberty 
after  about  two  years.  As  to  his 
depressed  condition,  from  loss  of 
place  and  property,  Lord  Arthur 
Gray  reports  that  when  the  Queen 
was  applied  to  by  Lord  Burleigh ? 
"to  relieve  his  low  estate,"  the 
objection  was  that,  "though  he 


98 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


Thus,  it  was  not  until  after  three  years  of  expec 
tation,  and  strong  hope  justly  entertained  by 
Davison  and  his  powerful  friends,  that  the  pros 
pect  of  his  restoration  was  cut  off  and  the  hope 
relinquished. 

What  influence  this  long  continued  expectation 
had  finally  upon  the  plans  and  movements  of 
Brewster,  or  whether  he  was  induced  in  any  extent 
to  await  the  movements  in  the  case,  we  are  left  to 


was  in  tolerably  good  favor  with 
her,"  yet,  "  in  respect  to  her  begun 
course,  she  might  not,  with  honor 
saved,  make  show  of  it."  And 
when  urged  to  do  it  privately,  she 
replied,  "  Her  court  was  so  fraught 
with  lynxes'  eyes  that  the  motives 
of  her  doing  so  would  he  dis 
covered."  (Catalogue,  Harleian 
MSS.,  vol.  i.  p.  155.)  A  proof  of 
her  persevering  determination 
(cruel  as  it  was  to  him)  to  main 
tain  consistency  before  the  world. 
No  relief,  therefore,  could  he  ob 
tain,  except,  probably,  a  pension 
of  .£100  per  annum,  during  the 
Queen's  life.  It  was  not  until 
James,  her  successor,  came  to  the 
throne — James,  whom  every  con 
sideration  respecting  his  mother's 
execution  might  have  urged  to  the 
contrary,  yet  who  knew  Davifon 
and  the  circumstances  well — not 
until  his  accession  that  there 
was  granted  the  full  relief.  And 
grateful,  indeed,  to  his  wounded 
spirit  must  the  boon  have  been — 
a  testimony  to  the  world  of  his 
deserts  and  innocence.  But  the 


boon  came  too  late  to  be  long 
enjoyed.  His  end  was  near.  He 
died  in  December,  1608,  and  on 
the  28th  of  that  month  was  buried 
in  Stepney,  Middlesex,  probably 
over  70  years  of  age. 

That  he  was  a  man  of  learning  as 
well  as  a  statesman,  his  numerous 
writings  testify.  They  have  been 
preserved,  for  the  most  part,  in  the 
Harl.  and  other  collections  in  the 
British  Museum.  Highly  con 
nected  in  marriage,  he  and  his 
lady  were  both  cousins  to  the 
Earl  of  Leicester  and  Sir  Philip 
Sydney.  He  had  also  an  interest 
ing  and  intelligent  family.  One 
son  became  an  author  of  note. 
But,  what  is  most  of  all,  his  life, 
his  writings,  his  public  services, 
all  testify  that,  in  all  circum 
stances,  in  high  prosperity  as  in 
deepest  adversity,  he  was  the  en 
lightened,  noble-hearted,  consist 
ent  Christian. — Life  of  Davison  ; 
Aikin's  Court  of  Elizabeth,  ii. 
166,  167.  Miss  Strickland's  Note, 
in  vii.  p.  63,  needs  correction. 


BRETVSTER  RETIRED  FROM  LONDOX.  99 

conjecture.  Yet  who,  in  the  prospect  of  that 
restoration,  was  so  likely  to  receive  some  promi 
nent  position  under  him,  as  the  tried,  highly 
qualified  and  confidential  Brewster?  But  we  have 
said  thus  much  on  this  point  for  the  further  pur 
pose  of  bringing  out  facts,  and  showing  in  what 
estimation  Secretary  Davison  was  held  by  his 
contemporaries,  even  by  the  highest  and  ablest  in 
the  land.  This  is  but  justice  to  his  character, 
justice  to  historic  truth. 

Whatever  idea  we  may  form  as  to  how  long 
Brewster  continued  with  the  fallen  secretary  dur 
ing  his  troubles,  the  time  at  length  came  when  he 
must  leave. 

No  longer  officially  connected  with  any  one,  but 
left  free  to  form  anew  his  plans  in  life,  we  are  now 
to  trace  his  course  as  he  leaves  the  great  metro 
polis  for  the  retirement  of  the  country. 

Bidding  adieu  to  the  scenes  of  the  court,  and  its 
lately  absorbing,  but  now  painful  associations ; 
bidding  adieu  to  him  whose  confiding  friendship 
and  official  favors  he  had  so  worthily  and  long 
enjoyed,  and  to  whom  he  had  now  made  grateful 
returns ;  disappointed  in  his  expectations  in  public 
life ;  taught  thus  many  painful  but  salutary  les 
sons,  he  goes  forth,  not  to  be  a  recluse,  but,  with 
the  energy  of  maturing  manhood,  to  be  the  means 
of  good  in  some  other  field,  wherever  his  lot  might 
be  cast. 


CHA-PTEK,    VIII. 

'Tis  a  goodly  scene — 
Yon  river,  like  a  silvery  snake,  lays  out 
His  coil,  i'  th'  sunshine  lovingly ;  it  breathes 
Of  freshness  in  this  lap  of  flowery  meadows. 

SIR  A.  HUNT. 

AND  whither  did  Brewster  go  as  he  left  London 
and  his  former  patron  I  It  is  recorded  "  he  went 
and  lived  in  the  country,  amongst  his  friends  and 
the  good  gentlemen  of  those  parts."1  But  where 
in  the  country  were  those  friends  and  good  gentle 
men'? 

On  this  point,  many  had  been  the  inquiries, 
great  the  curiosity  excited,  vague  the  conjectures 
(and  all  to  little  purpose)  until  the  discoveries  dur 
ing  the  last  few  years.  Morton,  Cotton  Mather, 
Hubbard,  with  Belknap  and  others,  had  left  to  us 
little  more  than  that  most  indefinite  expression, 
"in  the  North  of  England."  It  is  to  the  un 
tiring  researches  of  an  antiquarian  of  London2  we 
owe  it,  that  facts,  dates,  and  circumstances  are 
brought  to  light  so  numerous  and  particular  as  to 
enable  us  to  point  out  with  fullest  confidence,  not 

1  Bradford,  410.  occasion  to  refer  often  in  these 

2  Hunter,   to    whom    we    have     statements. 


PLACE  TO  TTHICH  RREWSTER  RETIRED.  101 

only  the  county  and  district,  but  the  very  village 
and  house  where  our  William  Brewster  resided. 

Extracts  from  Bradford's  history  specified  that 
the  religious  company  of  emigrants  who  assembled 
around  Brewster  "were  of  sundry  towns  and  vil 
lages  in  Nottinghamshire,  and  of  Lincolnshire, 
and  Yorkshire,  where  they  border  nearest  to 
gether."3  This  defines  the  district  of  country  to 
be  in  and  around  the  northern  part  of  Nottingham 
shire,  where,  and  where  only,  these  three  counties 
and  the  villages  "border  nearest"  to  each  other. 
But  it  was  "  not,"  says  he  to  whom  we  owe  the 
discovery,  "  until  I  found  out  another  condition  of 
place  in  another  part  of  the  writings  of  Bradford, 
and  then  brought  some  historical  and  topographical 
knowledge  to  bear  on  the  question,  that  I  ascer 
tained,  as  I  conceive,  beyond  all  possibility  of 
doubt,  the  actual  village,  and  the  very  house." 

It  was  this :  "  They  ordinarily  met  at  his  (Brew- 
ster's)  house  on  the  Lord's  day,  which  was  a  manor 
of  the  Bishops."1  A  bishop's  manor,  or  manor 
house,  is  no  vague  expression;  it  is  something 
fixed,  notorious,  and  remarkable,  and  is,  moreover, 
rare  in  any  district,  "and  I,"  he  adds,  "who  have 
some  acquaintance  with  the  whole  country  which 
can  be  said  to  be  near  the  adjoining  borders  of 
these  counties,  can  affirm  with  confidence  that 

3  See  Bradford,  in  his  recovered  History,  p.  9,  where  the  language 
is  still  more  express  than  in  Young  or  Prince. 

4  Bradford,  411 ;  in  Young,  465. 


102  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

there  was  no  episcopal  or  archiepiscopal  manor  in 
that  part  of  England  except  one,  which  one,  in 
Brewster's  time,  appertained  to  the  Archbishop  of 
York;  this  one  was  at  the  ancient  village  of 
Scrooby,  in  the  Hundred  of  Bassetlaw."5 

Confirmatory  of  the  above,  was  the  further  dis 
covery,  on  the  assessment  roll  of  that  period  for 
Scrooby,  of  a  William  Brewster,  older  than  our 
William,  who  may  have  been  a  relative,  perhaps 
his  father,  and  also,  on  the  church  records,  near 
by,  of  a  Rev.  Henry  Brewster  and  a  Rev.  James 
Brewster,  who  were  successively  rectors,  and  may 
have  been  his  relatives.  And  close  by  was  Auster- 
field,  the  known  birth-place  and  residence  of  Brad 
ford;  while  other  names  of  emigrants  were  from 
the  same  portion  of  country. 

Still  more  to  the  purpose,  we  shall  find  Brew 
ster  holding  an  office  under  the  Queen,  until  the 
very  year  and  month  when  the  future  "elder," 
with  his  people,  left  for  Holland,  and  when  his 
connection  with  that  office  ceased. 

And  yet  more  specifically,  we  shall  find  on 
record,  "  William  Brewster,"  with  two  others,  "  of 
Scrooby,  Brownists  or  Separatists"  (the  terms 
then  applied  to  them),  fined  <£20,  each,  for  non- 
appearance  on  an  ecclesiastical  citation.  All  of 
this  will  appear,  as  we  proceed,  with  accumulating 
evidence  from  a  variety  of  other  circumstances  too 
numerous  to  admit  of  doubt.  Well  might  Mr. 

5  Hunter's  Founders  of  New  Plymouth,  15,  IS,  and  Tracts. 


BREWSTER  AT  SCROOBY,  NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.      103 

Hunter  add,  "  No  reasonable  doubt,  therefore,  can 
ever  arise,  that  the  seat  and  centre  of  the  religious 
community,  which  afterwards  planted  itself  on  the 
shores  of  New  England,  was  at  this  Nottingham 
shire  village  of  Scrooby." 

In  the  northern  part  of  Nottinghamshire  then, 
near  a  mile  and  a  half  south  of  a  projecting  point 
of  Yorkshire,  and  but  a  short  distance  from  the 
verge  of  Lincolnshire,  and  at  the  small  village  of 
Scrooby,  was  evidently  the  place  where  our 
William  Brews ter  went.  Here  were  his  friends, 
and  "  the  good  gentlemen  of  those  parts."  Here 
was  the  bishop's  manor,  afterwards  called  by 
Bradford,  Brewster's  house;  and  here  are  we  to 
trace  his  course  for  some  seventeen,  perhaps 
nineteen  succeeding  years. 

As  to  Scrooby  itself,  though  with  the  exception 
of  its  being  on  the  great  northern  road  from 
London  to  York,  and  thence  by  Berwick  to 
Scotland,  it  has  scarcely  been  noticed  in  modern 
times ;  yet  such  was  not  the  case  anciently ;  nor 
from  the  interest  now  manifested,  is  it  likely  to  be 
so  hereafter. 

"  Scrooby  Manor,"  even  as  far  back  as  William 
the  Conqueror,  if  not  earlier,  was  a  possession  of 
the  Archbishops  of  York,  and  was  to  them  a  place 
of  frequent  sojourn,  as  well  as  a  convenient 
resting-place  in  their  journeys.  Noted  for  field 
game,  and  the  easy  access  to  the  Hatfield  chase,  it 
had  long  been  on  these  accounts  a  favorite  resort. 

Here     slept    Margaret,     Queen     of    Scotland, 


104  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

daughter  of  Henry  Seventh,  on  her  way  to  that 
kingdom.  Here  Cardinal  Wolsey,  when  dismissed 
by  his  imperious  master  to  his  northern  diocese, 
passed  weeks  "  ministering  many  deeds  of  charity, 
attending  on  Sundays  in  some  neighboring  parish 
church,  and  then  dining  in  some  honest  man's 
house  in  the  town,  causing  great  alms  to  be 
distributed  to  the  poor :"  and  who  is  said  to  have 
uttered  soon  after,  those  memorable  words:  "Had 
I  served  the  God  of  Heaven  as  faithfully  as  I  did 
my  master  on  earth,  He  had  not  forsaken  me  in 
my  old  age  as  the  other  hath  done."6  At  this 
manor  house  lodged  Henry  the  Eighth  himself,  on 
his  northern  progress  in  1541.  This  same  year 
the  tourist  Leland,  in  passing,  gives  of  the  manor, 
church,  and  neighborhood  this  description :  "  From 
Mattersy,  I  rode  a  mile  in  low  wash  and  some 
what  fenny  ground,  and  a  mile  or  more  further 
by  higher  ground  to  Scrooby."  "  In  the  mean 
townlet  of  Scrooby  I  marked  two  things,  the 
parish  church,  not  big,  but  very  well  builded  of 
square  polished  stone."  "  The  second,  was  a 
great  manor  place,  standing  within  a  moat,  and 
belonging  to  the  Archbishop  of  York,  builded  in 
twro  courts,  whereof  the  first  is  very  ample ;  and  all 
builded  of  timber,  saving  the  front  of  the  hall, 
that  is  of  brick  ;  to  the  which,  one  ascends  by  steps 
of  stone."  "  The  inner  court  building,  as  far  as  I 
marked,  was  of  timber,  and  was  not  in  compass 

6  Hunter,  and  Life  of  Wolsey. 


BISHOP'S  MANOR,  SCROOBY.  105 

past  the  fourth  part  of  the  outer  court."  Northerly, 
"a  mile  or  more  is  Bawtry ;  a  little  beyond 
Scrooby  manor  place,  I  passed  by  a  ford  over  the 
river,  and  betwixt  the  palings  of  two  parks 
belonging  to  Scrooby."7  Very  much  in  accordance 
with  this  description  doubtless  was  the  appearance 
of  the  place  in  the  time  of  Brewster. 

At  the  Eeformation,  some  kind  of  title  to  the 
manor  seems  to  have  been  in  the  crown ;  for  the 
Protestant  Archbishop  Holdgate  purchased  of  the 
King  the  mansion,  lordship,  and  manor,  with  the 
appurtenances,  to  himself  and  Barbary  his  wife, 
and  the  successors  in  the  see;8  Great,  however,  was 
the  change  which  took  place  as  to  the  future 
prospects  of  Scrooby  and  its  manor,  in  the  time  of 
Elizabeth. 

To  this  "See"  was  Archbishop  Sandys  (father 
of  Sir  Edwin  and  five  other  sons)  promoted  in 
1576.  Some  six  years  later,  Elizabeth  desired  of 
him  this  manor  for  the  Earl  of  Leicester.  The 
archbishop  declined  giving  the  desired  lease, 
specifying  as  reasons,  the  heavy  expenses  he  had 
incurred  in  repairs  and  improvements,  the  depriva 
tion  of  residence  to  himself,  and  the  great  loss  it 
would  be  to  the  see  (£60,000  including  South 
well)  ;9  "  too  much,"  says  he,  "  most  gracious 
sovereign — too  much  to  pull  from  a  bishopric 
inferior  to  many  in  revenue,  but  superior  in  charge 

7  Leland's  Itinerary,  vol.  i.  p.  8  Strype's  Ecclesiastical  Memo- 
36.  rials,  iii.  250. 

9  (Query— £6000). 


106  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

and  countenance."  Yet  before  the  close  of  the 
same  year  (1582),  he  leased  the  manor,  two  parks, 
mills  and  Lound  Woods  to  his  eldest  son,  Sir 
Samuel  Sandys.  And  this  resulted  finally  in  the 
alienation  of  the  manor  from  the  see.  Perhaps 
he  thought  it  better  (for  he  had  the  power)  thus 
to  place  it  under  lease,  than  that  it  should  be 
transferred  to  such  an  one  as  the  Earl  of  Leicester. 
Here  accordingly  for  a  time  appears  to  have  been 
the  residence  of  Sir  Samuel.  In  the  church  stands 
a  monument  to  Penelope,  one  of  the  Sandys 
family,  who  died  in  1690.10 

Under  Sir  Samuel  it  was,  as  appears  some  few 
years  later,  that  the  manor  was  held  by  Brewster : 
not,  indeed,  "  a  district  of  country,  throughout 
which  were  enjoyed  certain  feudal  privileges,  but 
the  manor  place,"11  including,  doubtless,  its  lands 
and  parks.  And  this  suggests  not  only  an 
acquaintance,  but  business  transactions,  between 
Brewster  and  the  Sandys  family. 

Tracing  the  history  of  this  manor-place  a  little 
further,  we  find,  that  after  William  Brewster's 
occupancy  some  fifteen,  perhaps  nineteen  years, 
it  was  at  length  gradually  neglected,  and  finally 
suffered  to  go  to  decay.  One  hundred  years  later 
— while  the  park  still  remained,  the  house  had 
nearly  fallen  to  the  ground.  In  1813  nothing 

remained,  marking  the  ancient  abode  of  splendor 

• 

10  Biographia  Britannica,  article  Sandys,  and  Strype's  Annals,  iii. 
pt.  ii.  64-70.     Hunter,  18,  22,  139,  and  Bartlett. 

11  Hunter. 


PRESENT  ASPECT  OF  SCROOBY.        107 

and  hospitality,  but  some  small  part  incorporated 
into  a  farm-house,  and  in  the  garden,  an  old 
mulberry  tree,  planted,  tradition  said,  by  the 
haughty  Wolsey.12  Finally,  as  seen  and  described 
by  a  tourist's  eye  and  pen,13  in  the  summer  of 
1853,  Scrooby  presents  to  view  one  of  those  rich 
pastoral  districts,  common  in  England,  which  with 
no  marked  features  of  hill  and  dale,  the  hand  of 
industry  has  covered  with  such  exuberant  crops  of 
grain,  in  fields  neatly  divided  by  green  hedge 
rows,  as  it  is  delightful  to  behold.  On  the  lowest 
level,  lower  than  the  surrounding  cornfields — where 
once  were  fenny  wastes — the  retreat  of  abundance 
of  wild  fowl,  and  other  varieties  of  game,  justifying 
its  celebrity  as  a  hunting  seat,  now  are  seen  rich 
reclaimed  marsh  lands  of  vivid  green,  whereon 
are  groups  of  grazing  cattle,  and  where  the  glassy 
"  Idle"  (viz.  stream  of  the  cornfields)14  winds  its 
slow  and  mazy  coils  through  the  plain,  between 
Scrooby  and  Austerfield — Austerfield  concealed 
among  the  trees,  and  Scrooby  marked  out  by  its 
gracefully  constructed  church,  rising  above  the 
green  level,  with  its  gray  sky-pointing  spire,  and 
where  the  bridge  over  the  Idle  adds  beauty  to  the 
view.  And  divided  from  the  gardens  of  the 

12  Beauties,  &c.,  of  England  and  general:     yd!  an    signifying     the 
Wales,  vol.  xvi.  324,  and  Hunter,  place  where  corn  is  stacked,  ydle, 

13  Rev.  W.  H.  Bartlett's   "  Pil-  a   granary.     The    river   Idle   had 
grim  Fathers,"  pp.  35-40.  its  name  then  from  the  grain  with 

14  Id,    or    yd    (says    Thornton  which  its  bordering  fields  abounded 
speaking   of  this   river)    signifies  even    from    the    earliest    times. 
seyes    [Latin]    corn,   or    grain  in  Thornton's  Nottinghamshire,  414. 


108  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

village  by  what  was  evidently  once  a  moat  (but  now 
dry),  and  bounded  on  one  side  by  the  river,  and 
on  the  other  by  the  railroad  (the  church  in  the 
background),  is  seen  the  large  inclosed  area  or 
square,  and,  nearly  in  its  centre,  a  group  of 
sycamores,  marking,  as  understood,  the  ancient 
site  of  the  manor  buildings.  Here  is  now  pointed 
out  to  the  visitor,  taking  a  nearer  view,  a  farm 
house,  and  a  row  of  willows,  as  occupying  the 
place  where  stood  the  old  hall.  Evidently  dis 
cernible  as  is  the  site,  it  is  not  so  with  respect  to 
any  part  of  the  structure  once  upon  it.  Only 
some  fragments  of  richly  carved  work,  which 
doubtless  anciently  adorned  the  halls  of  state, 
could  now  be  found,  put  to  the  ignoble  use  of 
propping  up  the  roof  of  a  cowhouse.  Beyond 
these  insignificant  relics  is  no  trace  of  the  "  great 
Manor-House  of  the  Bishops."  Such  was  Scrooby 
once,  and  such  is  it  now. 


CHAPTER    IX. 


Do  good  for  good's  own  sake,  looking  not  to  worthiness  or  love. 

TUPPER. 


RETURNING  to  the  time  when  Brewster  became 
a  resident  in  Scrooby,  we  trace  next  his  course 
here  in  comparative  retirement.  It  is  interesting 
to  find  that  he  came  not  hither  as  a  disappointed, 
useless  dependant  upon  friends;  but  with  fixed 
Christian  principles  and  purposes,  and  with  expe 
rience  in  the  influential  walks  of  life,  and  in  the 
strength  of  young  manhood,  to  do  good,  to  devise 
plans,  and  meet  the  calls  of  the  time  and  place  for 
benevolent  exertion.  And  ample  was  the  field 
before  him. 

Here  "  he  lived  in  good  esteem  among  his  friends 
and  the  good  gentlemen  of  those  parts."  This  was 
their  voluntary  tribute  to  his  life  and  character. 

But  next,  in  quaint  style  and  few  words,  wre 
have  summed  up  for  us  his  individual  efforts  for 
nearly  twenty  years.  "  He  did  much  good  in  the 
country  where  he  lived  in  promoting  and  further 
ing  religion,  not  only  by  his  practice  and  example, 
and  provoking  and  encouraging  others,  but  by  pro- 


110  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

curing  good  preachers  to  the  places  thereabout, 
and  drawing  .on  of  others  to  assist  and  help  for 
ward  in  such  a  work,  he  himself  most  commonly 
deepest  in  the  charge,  and  sometimes  above  his 
ability."  "  In  this  state  he  continued  many  years, 
doing  the  best  good  he  could,  and  walking  accord 
ing  to  the  light  he  saw."1 

As  a  counterpart,  and  most  strikingly  illustrative 
of  this  brief  statement,  and  of  the  "  great  need"  of 
these  very  exertions,  we  have  the  following  from 
Archbishop  Sandys  himself  in  a  discourse  before 
the  Queen  only  a  short  time  previous.  "  The 
mother  City  of  the  Realm"  (London)  "  is  reason 
ably  furnished  with  good  preachers.  Certain 
other  cities,  not  many  in  number,  are  blessed  too, 
though  not  in  like  sort.  But  the  silly  (that  is, 
ignorant)  people  of  the  land  otherwhere,  especially 
in  the  north  parts,  pine  away  and  perish  for  want 
of  this  saving  food.  They  are  much  decayed  for 
want  of  prophecy.2  Many  there  are  that  hear  not 
a  sermon  for  seven  years,  I  might  say  seventeen. 
Their  blood  will  be  required  at  somebody's  hand."3 
Such  was  the  state  of  things,  and  such  the  call  on 
every  hand,  for  vigorous  exertion.  Hence  in  his 
own  sphere  were  the  exertions  of  Brewster;  by 
personal  example,  self-sacrificing  efforts,  influence 
with  others  in  ways  and  modes  ever  most  effective; 

1  Bradford,  pp.  410,  411.  3  Strype's   Annals,  iii.  part  ii. 

2  See  this  term  fully  explained,     pp.  69,  70. 
note,  p.  124. 


SUCCESSFUL  EFFORTS  TO  DO  GOOD.  Ill 

and  all  was  in  due  order  and  consistency  with  the 
requirements  of  the  Established  Church. 

But  who  were  the  active  ministers  in  this  por 
tion  of  the  country  1  And  who  were  those  whom 
Brewster  and  his  friends  were  instrumental  in 
procuring  for  the  needy  churches  around  them  ? 

For  a  period  of  about  twelve  years,  ending  in 
August,  1588,  had  Archbishop  Sandys  been  the 
ecclesiastical  superior — a  truly  learned  and  dis 
tinguished  divine,  also  faithful,  laborious  in  his 
Master's  vineyard,  and  a  favorer  of  timely  reforms 
in  the  established  ceremonies — had  his  life  been 
longer  spared,  or  had  his  immediate  successors 
been  of  like  views  and  spirit,  doubtless  some,  at 
least,  of  the  difficulties  that  followed  would  have 
been  avoided. 

Already  have  we  noticed  the  Rev.  Henry  Brew 
ster  as  the  Vicar  of  Sutton-upon-Lound,  to  which 
Scrooby  was  ecclesiastically  annexed.4  He  had 
continued  in  that  station  for  more  than  thirty 
years,  ending  with  the  spring  of  1598.  To  him 
succeeded  the  Rev.  James  Brewster.  That  either 
of  these  was  related  to  our  William,  or  that  this 
James  succeeded  to  the  vacant  charge  aided  by 
any  influence  of  William,  we  have  no  reliable 
evidence.  The  only  direct  indications  of  relation 
ship  are  the  name,  their  residence  at  the  time  in 
the  same  vicinity ;  and  in  respect  to  James,  near 
ness  of  age,  and  resemblance  of  signatures,  which 

4  Hunter,  pp.  58  and  73. 


112 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


is  indeed  striking.5  And  this  James  had  married 
a  Welbeck;  and  the  Welbecks  appear  to  have 
been  from  Suffolk,  the  original  location  of  the 
early  Brewsters.  Presented,  some  years  before,  by 
Archbishop  Sandys  to  the  mastership  of  the  richly 
endowed  Bawtry  Hospital,  but  having  surrendered 
the  same  to  the  crown,  under  the  claim  of  the 
commissioners  for  concealed  lands,  he,  with  others, 
afterwards  received  it  back  from  the  crown  for 
private  possession.  A  long  contest  in  law  ensu 
ing,  both  the  surrender  and  transfer  were  declared 
to  be  illegal.  Our  William  must  have  been  ac 
quainted  with  these  transactions  respecting  his 
namesake,  and  perhaps  brother;  and  also  with 
the  further  fact  of  James  Brewster's  presentation 
to  the  additional  Vicarage  of  Gringley-on-the-Hill, 
near  at  hand.6 

One  minister,  whom  Brewster  and  friends  may 
perhaps  have  been  instrumental  in  procuring  for 

5  Fac  similes  — 


6  Hunter,  73,  86 ;    other   facts,  ford,  near  the  seat  of  the  Sandys 

lately     discovered    by     Cardinal  in  Essex  Co.,  seem  to  confirm  the 

Brewster,  Esqr.,  relative  to  James  connection  stated,  or  intimate  ac- 

Brewster's  residence   at   Chelms-  quaintance. 


NEIGHBORING  MINISTERS.  113 

the  vicarage  of  Worksop,  a  neighboring  parish, 
south  of  Scrooby,  was  Richard  Barnard.  He  had 
been  educated  at  Cambridge  by  the  aid  of  two 
eminently  pious  daughters  of  Sir  Christopher 
Wray,  Chief  Justice  of  England,  and  was  ap 
pointed  to  that  vicarage  in  1601.  Eminently 
successful  as  a  minister  and  writer,  wavering,  and 
at  one  time  declining  to  conform  to  some  of  the 
prescribed  ceremonies,  but  at  length  conforming, 
he  became  a  close  observer  of  the  movements  of 
the  times,  and  especially  at  Gainsborough  and 
Scrooby.  One  of  his  esteemed  treatises  was  the 
"  Faithful  Shepherd."  Others  have  been  reprinted 
even  in  our  own  day.  At  length  presented  to  the 
Rectory  of  Batcome,  "  as  a  minister  who,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  patron,  would  best  discharge  the 
duties  to  the  edification  of  the  parishioners,"  he 
there  became  best  known  as  "  Barnard  of  Batcome. 
in  Somersetshire."7 

To  Gainsborough,  on  the  border  of  Lincolnshire, 
came,  during  this  period,  as  a  minister,  a  Mr.  John 
Smith,  whether  as  rector  or  not  is  uncertain. 
Bradford  describes  him  as  "  a  man  of  able  gifts, 
and  a  good  preacher,  eminent  in  his  time,  but 
whose  inconstancy,  unstable  judgment,  and  being 
suddenly  carried  away,  soon  overthrew  him."8  He 
gathered,  after  some  time,  a  separate  congregation r 
and  removed  to  Amsterdam,  in  Holland.  Whether 

7  Hunter,  pp.  36,  40. 

8  Bradford,  in  Young,  pp.  22,  450,  and  Hunter,  38, 


114  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

he  came  to  Gainsborough  through  any  influence 
from  Scrooby,  or  whether  there  was  at  this  time 
any  particular  intercourse,  other  than  acquaintance, 
between  him  and  the  Scrooby  people,  we  find  no 
specific  evidence.  Bradford's  statements,  and  Mr. 
Smith's  own  language  towards  brethren  who  dif 
fered  from  him,  lead  to  the  conclusion  that  his 
uncharitable  temper  and  course,  could  not  long  be 
congenial  with  the  spirit  of  Brews ter.  But  of  him 
more  will  appear  hereafter. 

Of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clifton,  for  years  a  laborious, 
effective,  and  fervent  preacher,  and  Rector  of  Bab- 
worth,  near  Scrooby,  and  of  the  time  and  cause  of 
his  separation  from  the  established  church,  we 
shall  also  have  occasion  to  speak  in  another  place. 

Other  names  might  be  added  of  ministers  in  this 
vicinity  at  this  period ;  but  whether  any  of  them 
could  be  included  in  the  terms  of  our  last  inquiry, 
needs  further  evidence. 

But  whence  had  Brewster  the  means  for  such 
active  exertions,  such  liberal  expenditures,  as  have 
been  mentioned'?  His  was  no  old  Nottingham 
shire  name,  connected  with  landed  estates,  the 
usual  source  of  income  of  the  time  and  place,  nor 
have  we  indications  of  his  having  extensive  wealth 
in  any  other  form.9  The  inquiry  becomes  still 
more  pertinent,  since  he  had  in  the  mean  time 
entered  the  married  state,  an  event  ever  one  of  the 
most  important  and  memorable  in  life ;  yet,  as  in 
his  case,  calling  for  additional  sources  of  income. 

9  Hunter,  p.  38. 


MARRIAGE;    POST  OF  SCROOBY.  115 

In  what  year  this  marriage  took  place,  or  with 
what  family,  no  record  has  been  discovered.  The 
Christian  name  of  Mary,  and  the  other  designation, 
"  Mrs.  Brewster,"  are  the  only  ones  left  us  of  the 
partner  of  his  life.  Probably  their  marriage  was 
before  the  year  1594;  since  at,  or  before  that 
time,  we  may,  from  all  circumstances,  suppose 
them  to  have  become  the  occupants,  and  Mrs. 
Brewster  the  lady  of  the  manor-place. 

But  had  Brewster  no  particular  secular  engage 
ments,  no  regular  business  transactions,  making 
large  demands  upon  his  attention,  and  as  a  means 
of  increased  income'?  Bradford's  memoir,  unin 
tentionally  doubtless,  would  lead  us  to  suppose  he 
had  not.  Yet,  what  was  long  unknown,  late  dis 
coveries  enable  us  to  state :  that  not  sacred  studies 
and  Christian  efforts  and  devotion  alone  occupied 
his  time  and  thoughts.  He  held,  under  the  Queen 
and  her  successor,  a  responsible  office. 

Among  the  earliest  accounts  of  the  post  depart 
ment,  commencing  in  the  year  1594,  wherein  were 
entered  the  names  of  the  officers  on  the  great  post 
roads  of  the  realm,  William  Brewster  is  found  to 
have  held  the  office  of  post  of  Scrooby.10  It  was 
then,  however,  an  office  of  the  court  or  government ; 
and  not,  as  afterwards  developed,  a  department  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  public.  Not  until  more 
than  thirty  years  later  was  it,  that  provision  was 
made  for  the  conveyance  therewith  of  private  coiv 

10  Hunter,  p.  71. 


116  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

respondence ;  nor  until  the  time  of  Cromwell  that 
private  passengers  were  thereby  accommodated.11 
More  varied,  however,  were  the  duties,  requiring 
greater  responsibilities  and  capacity  in  those  be 
ginnings  of  the  postal  system,  than  those  of  the 
postmaster  of  the  present  day.  When  recently 
established  by  Elizabeth,  few  were  the  offices  or 
posts,  "  dotted  here  and  there  about  the  country" 
on  the  great  routes,  and  with  no  cross  routes. 
Each  post,  therefore,  must  provide  in  his  own  dis 
trict  for  all  special  dispatches,  and  distant  de 
liveries,  as  well  as  for  government  messengers  or 
privileged  passengers,  at  certain  rates  of  charge. 
Being  a  court  appointment,  Brewster  must  have 
had  influence  at  court  to  be  placed  in  this  office. 
To  perform  its  various  incumbent  duties,  required 
the  services  of  employees  under  him,  and  suitable 
accommodations,  livery,  and  attendant  servants. 
And  this  accounts  for  his  occupancy  of  the  manor 
place ;  where  had  been  the  residence  of  archbishops, 
the  stopping-place  of  royalty  and  its  train ;  a  place 
not  suited  for  a  private  gentleman,  but  well  cal 
culated  for  Brewster's  official  position. 

11  English.  Quarterly  Review,  or,  It  should  be  added,  that  while 

the  Eclectic,  for  Oct.  5, 1855 ;  also,  at  first  the  post  department  was 

"The  Post-office,"  London,  1842,  for  the  court,  there  was  a  pre-estab- 

pp.  7, 8,  9,  and  17.    One  of  the  ear-  lished  and  comparatively  efficient 

liest  advertisements  for   convey-  system    among    merchants     and 

ance  of  passengers  is  in  the  "  Mer  •  others,  for  private  purposes. — "  P. 

curius  Politicus,"  of  April  1,  1658,  Office"  as  above,  pp.  8  and  9. 
as  follows  :  "  Passengers  by  stage 
coach  to  Bawtry,iu  three  days,  for 
30  shillings." 


TERM  OF  OFFICE  AT  SCROOBY.  117 

Respecting  his  office,  in  the  early  accounts  of 
the  postmaster  general,  are  found  entries  in  his 
name  for  five  terms  and  part  of  a  sixth ;  three  of 
them  for  three  years,  two  for  two  years  each,  and 
six  months  of  the  succeeding  term ;  in  all,  thirteen 
years  and  six  months.  The  first  entry  is — 

"April,  1594,  to  April,  1597.— (Old  style.) 

"  William  Brewster,  post  of  Scrooby,  for  his 
ordinary  wages,  serving  Her  Majesty  all  the  time 
aforesaid,  at  20  pence  per  diem,  £91  6s.  8d." 

Similar  are  the  other  entries,  except  that  in  the 
third  term,  the  wages  were  advanced  to  two  shil 
lings  sterling,  per  diem,  and  in  the  last  his  connec 
tion  with  the  office  closed  on  the  last  of  September, 
1607,  when  one  Francis  Hall  succeeded  for  the 
completion  of  t  that  term.12 

Very  pertinently  has  it  been  remarked,  that, 
had  the  names  of  the  posts  or  postmasters  been 
entered  a  few  years  earlier,  we  could  then  have 
ascertained  the  precise  date  of  Brewster's  first 
appointment.  This  would  have  shown  how  soon, 
after  the  fall  of  Davison,he  was  provided  for  by  this 

12  Hunter's  Founders,  &c.,  66-  £100  per  annum. 

69.  Of  Clerk  of  the  Council,  £50  per 

Note. — Are  any  surprised  at  the  annum. 

apparent  smallness  of  the  salary  Of  a  Clerk,  £5  per  annum, 

in  these  entries  ?  let  such  bear  in  While  the  rate  of  a  MASTER  Me- 

mind  the   difference,  1st,  in  the  chanic's  wages  was  1  shilling  per 

value  of  the   currency,  between  day. — Johnson's  Life  and  Times  of 

that  day  and  this  ;  and  next  as  to  Chief  Justice  Coke,  ii.  p.  149. 
the  salaries  generally,  for  instance : 
The  salary  of  the  principal  Secre 
taries  of  State  was  then — 


118  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

office.  What  we  now  know  is,  that  on  the  1st  of 
April,  1594,  he  was  in  full  possession  of  the  office; 
and  that  on  the  last  of  September,  1607,  he  re 
signed  or  was  removed,  just  six  months  after  the 
commencement  of  a  new  term.13  Evidently,  there 
fore,  was  the  resignation  or  removal  for  some  cause. 
It  was  at  the  very  season  when  he,  and  a  portion 
of  his  people,  were  on  the  point  of  leaving  for  Hol 
land.  So  exactly  do  the  dates  and  facts  on  record 
in  England,  correspond  with  those  (when  given) 
in  the  history  of  Bradford. 

From  the  view  now  taken  of  this  period  of 
Brewster's  residence  at  Scrooby,  we  have  brought 
before  us,  not  only  his  continued  course  of  life, 
public  and  private,  but  a  further  insight  into  the 
principles  by  which  he  was  guided,  and  by  which 
he  influenced  the  movements  of  others. 

Advancing  to  the  maturity  of  manhood,  we  see 
developed  in  him  more  and  more,  readiness  to  do 
good,  persevering  firmness,  and  characteristic  libe 
rality. 

Here,  too,  were  developed  the  affections  of  the 
married  relation,  the  tender  assiduities  of  the  father, 
and  the  kindliness  of  the  Christian  neighbor.  Here 
evidently,  were  born  his  five  children ;  and  these 
are  all  of  whom  we  have  any  information.  And 
here  amid  the  agitation  and  troubles  of  those  trying 
times  was  he,  according  to  his  convictions  of  right, 
faithful  in  the  service  of  his  country,  and  in  his 
duty  to  his  God. 

13  Hunter,  p.  67. 


CHAPTER    X. 

"  Diiferences  of  opinion  may  continue  to  exist ;  but  when  was  it 
otherwise?  Never,  while  men  are  permitted  to  think  freely.  It  is 
not  difference  of  opinion  that  makes  the  difficulty.  It  is  the  effort  to 
enforce  our  opinion  on  somebody  else." — DR.  S.  BOWMAN. 

WE  have  now  arrived  at  a  period  in  the  life  of 
Brewster  when  a  change  took  place  in  respect  to 
his  connection  with  the  established  church,  of 
which,  up  to  this  time,  he  had  been  an  active 
member.  And  the  question  comes  up,  what  were 
the  causes,  or  influencing  and  attending  circum 
stances  of  this  change'? 

If  we  look  back  to  the  first  days  of  Elizabeth, 
we  find  a  controversy  early  commencing;  the 
effects  of  which,  from  the  way  in  which  it  was 
conducted,  were  at  length  sorely  felt  throughout 
the  kingdom ;  nor  is  its  sad  influence  entirely 
gone  even  at  the  present  day. 

It  was  not,  however,  a  controversy  respecting 
Christian  doctrines ;  for  in  these  the  English 
reformers  were  very  generally  agreed.  Under  the 
capricious  and  dogmatically  imperious  Henry 
VIII.  the  opportunity  for  a  reformation  had  been 
afforded,  and  was  so  continued  and  improved 
under  the  youthful  Edward  VI.  and  again  under 


120  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Elizabeth,  that  Protestantism,  in  its  clear  develop, 
ment  of  Christian  truth,  had  become  established. 
Nor  was  it  a  controversy  respecting  a  uniformity 
of  worship  to  be  established  by  law.  On  this 
point,  says  the  constitutional  historian  Hallam, 
"Both  parties  agreed  too  well  in  asserting  the 
necessity  of  a  uniformity  of  public  worship,  and  of 
calling  in  the  sword  of  the  magistrate  for  the 
support  and  defence  of  their  several  principles." 
"  Neither  party  were  for  admitting  the  liberty  of 
conscience,  and  freedom  of  profession,  which  is 
every  man's  right,  as  far  as  consistent  with  the 
peace  of  the  government."1 

Nor  did  this  controversy  relate  to  church 
endowments;  no  small  portions  of  which  had 
already  gone  into  the  possession  of  the  State ;  and 
of  which  many  a  royal  favorite,  or  grasping 
nobleman,  or  unrewarded  partisan,  was  allowed  to 
make  still  further  spoils.  On  this  point,  the 
general  voice  of  the  reformers  now  was  for 
securing  and  faithfully  applying  all  that  remained, 
to  promote  the  restored  faith  of  the  reformation. 

Not  in  respect  to '  any  of  these — was  this  con 
troversy,  but  in  respect  to  the  further  reforms  in 
church  ceremonies  and  discipline.  This  was  a 
subject  on  which,  from  the  nature  of  the  case  and 
of.  men's  varied  modes  of  thinking,  differences  of 
opinion  might  be  expected ;  not  only  as  to  the 

1  Constitutional  History  of  Eng.,  pp.  115,  122,  Harper's  ed. 


DIFFICULTIES  AS  TO  FURTHER  REFORMS.         121 

extent,  but  as  to  the  rapidity ',  with  which  such 
reforms  should  be  effected.2 

Besides,  special  difficulties  attended  this  ques 
tion.  It  was  one  great  object  of  the  Reformers  to 
unite  the  largest  portion  of  the  people  practicable, 
in  one  reformed  national  church;  while  not  a 
small  part  of  the  nation  still  adhered  to  the  old 
system ;  and  not  a  few  who  favored  the  reforma 
tion  were  yet,  from  custom,  strongly  attached  to 
some  ceremonies,  which  others  would  at  once 
discard.3  In  this  state  of  things,  there  were  those, 
and  they  were  among  the  most  efficient,  who  were 
for  giving  themselves  first,  and  in  the  ways  most 
effectual,  to  the  work  of  enlightening  with 
scriptural  truth  the  great  body  of  the  people, 
leaving  these  further  reforms  to  follow  in  more 
favorable  times.4 

But  there  was  another  and  still  greater  diffi 
culty.  The  church,  as  a  church,  could  not  legis 
late  for  itself.  By  general  consent  and  acts  of 
Parliament,  the  sovereign  was,  to  an  extent  by 
no  means  clearly  defined,  the  head  of  the  Church, 
as  well  as  of  the  State.5  Changes,  or  further 
reforms,  therefore,  must  have  the  concurrence  of 
the  sovereign,  and  the  sanction  of  Parliament. 

But,  notwithstanding  all  these  difficulties,  a 
numerous  and  increasing  portion  of  the  nation, 
including  at  first  a  large  number  of  the  bishops, 


2  Burnett,  pp.  831,  837.  5  Hallam,  pp.  105,  107,  188-9. 

9  Ibid.  Act  of  Supremacy,  and  Notes. 

4  Ibid. 


122  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

with  perhaps  a  minority  that  finally  grew  into  a 
majority  in  Parliament,  were  decidedly  in  favor  of 
some  further  change. 

In  the  year  1562,  or  fourth  of  Elizabeth's  reign, 
the  matter  was  regularly  and  ably  discussed  in  the 
National  Convocation  of  Clergy.  Among  the 
points  debated,  were  propositions: — 

"To  discontinue  holidays,  except  Sundays  and 
the  feasts  that  related  to  Christ." 

"  That  the  minister,  in  officiating,  should  always 
turn  his  face  towards  the  people." 

"  That  the  ceremony  of  the  cross  in  baptism  be 
omitted." 

"  That  kneeling  at  the  communion  be  left  to  the 
discretion  of  the  ordinary." 

"  That  it  be  sufficient  for  the  minister,  in  minis 
tering,  to  use  the  surplice." 

"  That  the  use  of  organs  be  removed." 

The  chief  reasons  given  were  on  the  ground  of 
superstitious  use  and  abuse.  Other  points  of  re 
form  were  debated.  On  taking  the  votes  upon  the 
reform  propositions,  forty-three  were  for  them,  and 
thirty-five  against  them.  But  the  proxies  being 
counted,  there  were  for  the  propositions  fifty-eight , 
against  them  fifty-nine.  Thus,  says  Burnett,  "  while 
there  was  a  majority  for  them  of  eight,  of  those 
who  were  present  and  heard  the  debates,  these 
were  outvoted  by  a  majority  of  one  proxy  of  an 
absent  person."  And  what  is  not  a  little  remark 
able,  it  is  noted  on  the  record,  "  that  those  who 
voted  against  the  propositions,  seemed  to  do  so  on 


RESULT  OF  DEBATES  IN  CONVOCATION.     123 

the  ground  that  to  vote  for  them  would  be  to  act 
contrary  to  what  had  been  authorized,  or  assuming 
authority  to  alter  what  had  been  settled  by  the 
legislature."6 

To  all  such  reforms,  however,  though  most  of 
the  bishops  then  favored  them,  Queen  Elizabeth 
was  decidedly  opposed.  "Loving  magnificence  in 
everything  herself,"  claiming  under  the  act  of 
supremacy  almost  absolute  power,  urging  on  the 
archbishop  and  others  inclined  to  her  views,  she 
presented  to  every  such  movement  an  effectual 
resistance. 

To  the  Queen  were  the  consequences  chargeable. 
Says  the  same  constitutional  writer:  "It  is  incon 
sistent  with  veracity  to  dissemble  that  the  Queen 
alone  was  the  cause  of  retaining  those  observances 
to  which  the  great  separation  from  the  Anglican 
establishment  is  ascribed."7  The  immediate  con 
sequences  were  that,  whereas  great  liberty  in  these 
respects  had  been  previously  allowed,  conformity 
to  all  the  prescribed  ceremonies  was  soon  rigidly 
enforced  ;  and  many  were  the  suspensions,  and 
not  a  few  of  able  and  highly  esteemed  ministers, 
for  non-conformity.8  There  were  but  two  lines  to 
be  taken  when  things  had  been  brought  to  this 
pass,  says  the  same  authority,  "  either  to  relax  and 
modify  the  regulations  which  gave  offence,  or  to 


6 


Burnett,  p.  829.  to  conform,  though  some  were  in 

7  Hallam,  107,  110.     Strype,  in  time  restored.     Burnett,  831,  838. 
years,    1559,    1560.       In    London         8  Ibid. 
alone,  of  98  ministers,  38  refused 


124 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


enforce  a  more  punctual  observance  of  them." 
And  "  far  more  probably  would  the  former  course 
have  prevented  a  great  deal  of  that  mischief,  which 
the  second  manifestly  aggravated.  For  in  this 
early  stage,  the  advocates  of  a  simpler  ritual,  had 
by  no  means  assumed  the  shape  of  an  embodied 
faction,*  but  numbered  the  most  learned  and  dis 
tinguished  portion  of  the  hierarchy."9 


9  Hallam,  108,  110.  As  a  strik 
ing  illustration  of  the  spirit  of  the 
Queen's  proceedings,  we  have  the 
following  in  another  particular : 
"  In  several  of  the  dioceses,  the 
clergy,  encouraged  by  their 
bishops,  were  accustomed  to  hold 
religious  meetings,  in  which  were 
discussions  and  expositions  of  par 
ticular  texts  of  Scripture.  These 
meetings  were  public ;  a  mode 
rator,  appointed  by  the  bishop, 
presided,  and  closed  the  exercises 
by  a  summary  of  the  discussion 
and  his  decision.  These  exercises 
were  called  prophesyings  :  that  is, 
explaining  or  interpreting  the 
Scriptures.  It  was  contended  that 
setting  forth  the  meaning  of  Scrip 
ture,  and  the  grounds  of  their 
faith,  in -this  manner,  both  in 
structed  and  edified  the  people  as 
yet  but  poorly  taught  therein,  and 
also  supplied,  to  some  extent,  the 
great  deficiencies  in  learning 
among  many  of  the  pastors  them 
selves.  To  these  meetings  and 
exercises  the  Queen  was  decidedly 
opposed  ;  and  she  directed  Arch 
bishop  Parker  to  put  them  down. 


"  Parkhurst,  Bishop  of  Norwich, 
as  one,  was  unwilling  to  comply.  A 
letter  also  from  several  of  the  Privy 
Council,  as  Sir  Thomas  Smith, 
Sir  Walter  Mildmay,  Bishop  San 
dys,  and  others,  advised  him  not 
to  hinder  them,  so  long  as  nothing 
contrary  to  the  church  wa  s  taught 
in  them.  Parker  hearing  of  this 
advice,  contrary  to  the  Queen's 
and  his  instructions,  instituted 
such  inquiries  after  the  authors  of 
the  advice  as  resulted,  at  the  time, 
in  the  discontinuance  of  the  pro 
phesyings.  But  the  succeeding 
archbishop,  Grindal,  'bore  the 
whole  brunt  of  the  Queen's  dis 
pleasure,  rather  than  obey  her  in 
this  matter,  conceiving  that,  under 
suitable  rules,  the  abuses  to  which 
they  were  liable  might  be  avoided. 
But  the  Queen  would  hear  of  no 
middle  course,  and  insisted  that 
the  prophecyings  should  be 
stopped,  and  that  fewer  licenses 
for  preaching  should  be  given"  (no 
parish  minister  being  then  allowed 
to  preach  discourses,  except  the 
homilies,  without  such  license). 
(Burn's  Eccl.  Law,  iii.  268.) 


EXTREME  MEASURES.  125 

But  now,  the  controversy  became  more  and 
more  earnest  and  bitter  from  year  to  year.  Not 
withstanding  the  efforts  of  many  clergy  and  lay 
men  to  prevent  extremes ;  notwithstanding  such 
statesmen  as  Burleigh,  Walsingham,  Mildmay, 
and  others  of  like  mind,  labored  to  influence  the 
Queen,  and  those  who  sided  with  her,  to  more 
tolerant  measures;  notwithstanding  all  efforts  at 
home,  in  connection  with  counsels  of  learned  men 
abroad,  for  unity  and  peace,  extreme  measures 
were  resorted  to,  party  lines  were  drawn,  those 
who  plead  for  forbearance  were  overborne,  passion 
in  many  took  the  place  of  reason,  while  the.re  was 
a  still  more  rigid  enforcement  of  compliance  on 
the  part  of  the  Queen  and  courf,  attended  with 
provocations  unwarrantably  exasperating  on  the 
part  of  extreme  opposers.10  Nor  was  this  all.  To 
enforce  conformity  in  extreme  cases  the  powers  of 
the  High  Commission  Court  were  brought  into 
exercise  in  a  manner  before  unknown.  Designed, 
when  reconstructed  under  Elizabeth,  to  restrain 
those  who  adhered  to  the  Roman  sway,  its  power 
was  now  turned  as  a  keen-edged  sword  against 

"  Archbishop  Grindal  steadily  re-  Parker  and  Grindal ;  also  as  con 
fusing  to  comply,  was  for  about  five  densed  in  Hallam,  119, 120 ;  Harp, 
years  sequestered  from  the  exer-  ed. 

cise  of  his  jurisdiction,  until,  by  a  10  Burnet,  830,  840  ;  Hallam, 
kind  of  submission,  he  was  re-  '  121,  124,  136  ;  Bacon  on  the  Con- 
stored  a  little  before  his  death ;  troversies  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
the  Queen  herself  issuing  circu-  land  ;  Strype's  Annals,  iii.  pt.  i. 
lars  to  the  bishops,  commanding  260,  270,  and  Appendix,  iii.  pt.  ii. 
obedience  in  putting  an  end  to  the  268. 
prophesyings."  Strype's  Lives  of 


126  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

non-conforming  and  separating  Protestants.  By 
means  of  this  court  chiefly  were  effected  the  fines, 
suspensions,  deprivations,  imprisonments,  and  even 
executions,  for  non-conforming.  "This  mode  of 
procedure,"  says  Hallam,  "  was  wholly  founded  on 
the  canon  law,  and  so  repugnant  was  this  to  the 
rules  of  our  English  law,  and  to  the  principles  of 
natural  equity,  that  no  species  of  ecclesiastical 
tyranny  seems  to  have  excited  so  much  indigna 
tion."11 

From  various  parts  of  the  kingdom  now  came 
remonstrances  and  appeals  to  members  of  the 
Privy  Council,  in  behalf  of  censured  as  well  as 
deprived  ministers,  expressing  deep  concern  for 
the  cause  of  truth,  of  the  Church,  of  the  State, 
and  of  humanity.  Of  these  most  earnest  appeals, 
that  from  the  magistrates  and  gentlemen  of  the 
county  of  Suffolk,  in  the  year  1583,  preserved  in 
the  Annals  of  Strype,  may  be  taken  as  a  specimen.12 

11  "  The    germ    of    this    court  marshalled  with  the  worst  male- 
seems  to  have  been  a  commission  factors  ;    presented,   indicted,   ar- 
granted  by  the  (Roman  Catholic)  raigned,  and  condemned  for  mat- 
Mary    to     certain     bishops     and  ters,    as    we    presume,    of    very 
others  to  inquire,  and  to  punish,  slender  moment.     Some  for  leav- 
&c."     "The  primary  model  was  ing  the  holidays  unbidden,  some 
the  Inquisition,"  do.  122,  note ;  see  for     singing     the     psalm     Nunc 
Strype's  Documentary  Annals,  ii.  Dimittis  in  the  morning,  some  for 
217,  218  ;   also  in  relation  to  the  turning  the  questions  in  baptism 
illegality  of    the   oath  ex  officio,  concerning  faith  from  the  infants 
and  to  penalties  not  according  to  to  the  godfathers,  which  is  but  you 
law.  for  thou,  some  for  leaving  out  the 

12  The  following  is  an  extract : —     cross  in  baptism,  some  for  leaving 
"  Ministers    of    the    Word,   by     out  the  ring  in  marriage.    Where- 

what   malice  we   know   not,   are     upon  the   law,  neither   the  law- 


APPEALS;    BITTERNESS  OF  CONTROVERSY.        127 

Even  Lord  Burleigh  declared  to  the  Queen,  in 
relation  to  those  ministers,  "  I  am  bold  to  think 
that  the  bishops  in  these  dangerous  times  take  a 
very  ill  and  unadvised  course  in  driving  them 
from  their  cures."13  More  pointed  was  his  letter 
on  the  subject  to  Whitgift,  to  which  was  returned 
a  long,  but  to  that  statesman  by  no  means  a  satis 
factory,  answer.14 

Years  passing  on,  increasingly  bitter,  and  often 
most  grossly  personal  on  both  sides,  did  the  con 
troversy  become.  Some  redeeming  examples  there 
were,  some  praiseworthy  exceptions. 


maker,  in  our  judgments,  had 
ever  regard,  but  meant  indeed  to 
bridle  the  enemy.  Yet  now  (a 
most  pitiful  thing  to  see),  the 
back  of  this  law  turned  to  the 
adversary,  and  the  edge,  with  all 
the  sharpness,  laid  upon  the  sound 
and  true-hearted  subject. 

"  We  grant  order  to  be  the  rule 
of  the  Spirit  of  God.  We  desire 
one  uniformity  in  all  the  duties 
of  the  church,  the  same  being 
agreeable  to  the  proportion  of 
faith.  But  if  these  weak  cere 
monies  (and  their  like)  be  so  in 
different  as  their  use,  or  not  use, 
may  be  left  to  the  discretion  of 
the  ministers,  we  think  it,  in  duty 
(and  under  your  favorable  correc 
tion  we  speak  it),  very  hard  to 
have  them  go  under  so  hard  hand 
ling,  to  the  utter  discredit  of  the 
whole  ministry  and  profession  of 
truth.  And,  which  is  more,  we, 
that  be  magistrates,  and  under 


her  majesty,  have,  as  we  think, 
equivalency  of  voice,  and  know 
that  law  and  justice  is  one,  and 
may  not  be  avoided,  do  forbear  to 
speak  what  we  know,  lest,  by  our 
severing  in  opinion,  law  should  be 
rent,  and  justice  cut  in  twain ; 
and  so  the  minds  of  the  people, 
which  are  so  easily  distracted, 
carried  hither  and  thither,  to  the 
moving  of  further  inconvenience  ; 
and  so,  by  our  silence,  ministry 
and  magistracy  brought  into  open 
contempt," 

13  Harleian  Miscellany,  vii.  58  ; 
Strype,    Ann.,    iii.    pt.     i.     262. 
"Unjust,  indeed,  would  it  be  to 
censure  the  archbishop  for  inter 
fering  to  protect  the  discipline  of 
his    own    church,   had    but    the 
means  adopted  for  that  purpose 
been  consonant  to  equity." 

14  Strype's   Whitgift,    157,  163, 
166 ;    Hallam,  125  ;    Fuller,  book 
9,  p.  174. 


128  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

That  noble  declaration  of  Hooker^  the  very  an 
nouncement  of  which  comes  home  to  the  heart  of 
every  unbiased  reader  or  hearer,  deserves  to  be 
emblazoned  in  letters  of  gold  on  every  book  of 
controversy :  "  There  will  come  a  time  when  three 
words,  uttered  with  charity  and  meekness,  shall 
receive  a  far  more  blessed  reward  than  three 
thousand  volumes,  written  with  disdainful  sharp 
ness  of  wit."15 

But  other  consequences  followed.  Truly,  says 
Hallam  again,  "  When  these  obnoxious  rites  came 
to  be  enforced  with  unsparing  rigor,  and  even 
those  who  voluntarily  renounced  the  temporal  ad 
vantages  of  the  establishment,  were  hunted  from 
their  private  conventicles,  they  began  to  consider 
the  national  system  of  ecclesiastical  regimen  as 
itself  in  fault,  and  to  transfer  to  the  institution  of 
Episcopacy  that  dislike  they  felt  for  some  of  the 
prelates."16  At  length,  the  opposition  became  fixed. 
The  hour  for  liberal  concessions  was  suffered  to 
pass  away.  Intolerance  "  taught  men  to  question 
the  authority  that  oppressed  them,  till  the  battle 
was  no  longer  to  be  fought  for  a  tippet  and  a  sur 
plice,  but  for  the  whole  ecclesiastical  hierarchy, 
interwoven  as  it  was  with  the  temporal  constitu 
tion  of  England.' 


"17 


15  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  preface,  treme   opposition    Lad   separated 
chap.  3.  themselves  and  become  organized 

16  Constitutional    History,   113,  privately    in    separate    societies, 
et  seq.  notwithstanding     the     stringent 

17  Ibid.     Some  few  of  the   ex-  application  of  the  law. 


ON  INTOLERANCE  IN  RELIGION.  129 

Would  that  we  could  here  end  this  necessary 
view  of  the  relative  circumstances  of  the  time,  but 
no !  Toleration  in  respect  to  religion  was  then  by 
neither  party  understood,  advocated,  or  apparently 
known.18  Nor  had  history,  from  the  commence 
ment  of  the  Romish  sway,  with  two  exceptions 
only — and  those  by  laymen — furnished  any  other 
example.19  How  strange  that  Christians,  disciples 
of  the  same  Divine  Master,  should  ever,  for  any 
conscientious  differences,  persecute  or  shed  the 
blood  of  Christians !  Where  had  been  hidden  that 
Master's  stern  rebuke  to  his  disciples,  on  their  sug 
gestion  of  commanding  fire  from  heaven  upon  those 
who  would  not  receive  him  I  "  Ye  know  not  what 
manner  of  spirit  ye  are  of.  The  Son  of  Man  is  not 
come  to  destroy  men's  lives,  but  to  save  them !" 
Where  was  concealed  that  counsel,  standing  out 
in  such  bold  relief  on  the  Gospel  page]  "  Take 
heed!  If  this  counsel  or  this  work  be  of  men,  it 
will  come  to  naught ;  but  if  it  be  of  God,  ye  can 
not  overthrow  it,  lest  haply  ye  be  found  even  to 
fight  against  God!"  Where  was  that  inspired 
appeal  of  St.  Paul  to  those  who  would  judge  their 
brethren,  though  differing  in  minor  matters  I  "  Who 
art  thou  that  judgest  another  man's  servant]  To 
his  own  master  he  standeth  or  falleth :  Yea,  he 

18  Similar  was  the  intolerance  chusetts  colony  in  New  England, 

under  Presbyterian  sway  in  the  though  not,  perhaps,  in  the  same 

Revolution  ;  also,  under  the  Inde-  degree. 

pendents  in  the  time  of  Cromwell ;  19  The  Emperor  Maximilian  and 

and  we  must  add,  in  the  Massa-  Henry  IV.  of  France. 
9 


130        LIFE  AND 'TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

shall  be  holden  up ;  for  God  is  able  to  make  him 
stand!"  Where  were  those  truths  so  specific,  of 
such  high  obligation,  uttered  as  by  the  voice  from 
heaven  !20  How  had  they  been  buried  in  darkness 
so  deep  that  even  the  light  of  the  Reformation  had 
scarcely  yet  disclosed  them  to  the  eye,  or  fixed 
them  upon  the  conscience!  Alas! -they  were  to  be 
learned,  like  some  other  most  precious  truths — in 
bitterest  conflicts,  from  scenes  of  deepest  agony. 
They  must  be  wrought  in  upon  the  judgment, 
burned  in  upon  the  souls  of  men  by  their  revolting 
consequences ;  even  by  victimized  fellow-beings  in 
imprisonment,  on  the  rack,  or  at  the  stake.  Such 
had  been  the  course  under  the  Romish  sway. 
Would  that  there  were  no  similar  cases  under 
Protestant  rule ;  of  Protestant  subjects,  even  under 
a  Protestant  princess ;  that  as  to  Copping,  Thacker, 
Dennis,  Penry,  Barrow,  and  Greenwood,  whatever 
were  judged  to  be  their  legal  offences,  the  Pro 
testant  cause  of  England  might  have  been  free 
from  any  responsibility  of  their  blood.21 

But  there  is  one  brighter  spot  amid  the  dark 

20  Luke,  ix.    52,    56 ;   Acts,  v.  alleged    seditious    writings.       Of 
35,  38,  39  ;  Romans,  xiv.  4.  Dennis,  we  have  not  the  particu- 

21  Copping    and   Thacker  were  lars.  Barrow  and  Greenwood  were 
called  Anabaptists,  and   indicted  executed  under  the  law  of  the  23d 
and  sentenced  to  be  executed,  for  of  the  Queen,  and  for  spreading 
denying  the  Queen's  ecclesiastical  seditious  writings.    As  to  the  mode 
supremacy,   and   for   distributing  of  procedure,  Hallam  remarks,  "an 
the  condemned  books  of  the  noted  oppressive    and    sanguinary  law 
Robert   Brown. — Strype's  Annals,  was  made,  and  a  construction  put 
iii.  186  ;  also,  Fuller  and  Stowe.  upon  it  contrary  to  all  common 

Penry,  in  the  same  manner,  for     sense." 


QUEEN  S  SENSE  OF  RIGHT  WHEN  UNBIASED.      131 

shades  of  this  dark  picture.  If  it  be  true,  as  Brad 
ford  relates,  it  presents  an  example  (and  there  are 
many)  of  Elizabeth's  quick  apprehension  of  justice 
and  right,  when  unbiased  by  passion  or  prede 
termination. 

"Asking  the  learned  Dr.  Reynolds,  what  he 
thought  of  those  two  men,  Barrow  and  Greenwood, 
who  had  some  time  before  been  executed;  and 
seeing  him  loth  to  answer,  she  charged  him  upon 
his  allegiance  to  speak.  He  answered,  that  he 
was  persuaded,  if  they  had  lived  they  would  have 
been  two  as  worthy  instruments  for  the  church  of 
God,  as  have  been  raised  up  in  this  age.  Her 
majesty  sighed  and  said  no  more.22  Afterwards 
riding  to  the  park,  and  past  the  place  where  they 
were  executed,  she  demanded  of  the  Earl  of  Cum 
berland,  who  was  present  when  they  suffered, '  what 
was  their  end?'  He  answered,  'A  very  godly  end, 
and  prayed  for  your  majesty  and  the  State.' 
Again,  demanding  of  the  archbishop,  on  his  con 
science,  what  he  thought  of  them,  he  answered, 
'  He  thought  they  were  the  servants  of  God,  but 
dangerous  to  the  State.'  'Alas!' said  she,  '  shall 
we  put  the  servants  of  God  to  death  V  'And  this,' 
adds  Bradford,  '  was  the  true  cause  why  no  more 
were  put  to  death  in  these  days.'  "23 

22  The  same  Dr.  Reynolds  whom  thorized  translators  of  the  Bible 

King  James  afterwards  combated  into  English, 

at  the  Hampton  Court,  and   who  k3  Bradford,  in  Young,  432. 
was  subsequently  one  of  the  au- 


CHAPTER    XI. 

I  am  told  thou  callest  thyself  a  king. 

Know,  if  thou  art  one,  that  the  poor  have  rights  : 

And  power,  in  all  its  pride,  is  less  than  justice. 

HILL'S  MEROPE. 

JAMES    of    Scotland,    coming    to    the   English 

*  o  o 

throne  without  Elizabeth's  capacity  for  govern 
ment,  with  perhaps  the  strangest  mixture  on 
record  of  sense  and  of  silliness,  of  much  acquired 
knowledge,  and  low  pedantic  meannesses,  of  high 
pretensions  to  religion,  with  sad  want  of  it — bred 
a  Presbyterian,  yet  discarding  that,  and  arrogating 
to  himself  the  highest  church  as  well  as  state 
prerogatives ; — James,  manifesting  such  character 
istics,  soon  disappointed  all  expectations — of  the 
court  party  most  agreeably,  of  the  opposite  party, 
most  sadly. 

Among  the  very  first  acts  of  his  government, 
was  the  committal  of  that  "great  error  of  throw 
ing  away  one  of  the  best  opportunities  for  healing 
the  wounds  of  the  English  church."  Instead  of 
attempting  to  heal,  he  aggravated  them.  On  his 
coming  into  the  kingdom  a  petition  was  presented 
to  him  from  825  clergymen — a  petition  couched 
in  terms  of  devoted  loyalty,  asking  for  redress  of 


JAMES'  OUTRAGE  ON  CIVIL  RIGHTS.          133 

some  certain  abuses,  and  for  certain  ceremonial 
reforms,  none  of  them  inconsistent  with  the 
principles  of  the  establishment,  and  nearly  the 
same  as,  but  for  one  proxy,  would  have  passed  in 
the  convocation  of  1562.  And  the  aggravating 
act  was  (what  Hallam  has  pronounced,  "  the  most 
enormous  outrage  on  the  civil  rights  of  these 
men")  the  committal  to  prison  of  ten  of  those  who 
presented  the  petition.1 

Also  at  the  famous  Hampton  Court  conference, 
held  professedly  to  debate  the  points  in  question, 
whatever  might  be  the  merits  of  the  case,  we  are 
constrained  to  acknowledge  the  "  indecent  and 
partial  behavior  of  the  King,"  even  as  related  by 
Barlow;  but  more  aggravating,  as  stated  by 
Harrington,  an  eye  witness.2  We  see  the  vain- 
glorying  of  the  man,  and  the  rashness  and  want  of 
wisdom  in  the  sovereign — rashness  in  adding 
insult  to  rejection,  provoking  an  opposition 
founded  in  the  deepest,  strongest,  most  enduring 
elements  of  man's  nature.  Stop  the  current,  dam 
up  the  waters  of  the  flowing  stream,  give  them  no 
vent ;  they  accumulate  until  they  reach  a  height, 
and  attain  a  weight  and  power,  that  will  sooner  or 
later  break  forth  and  overbear  all  opposition. 
What  might  have  been  used  to  fertilize  and 
beautify  will  in  its  fury  and  power,  spread  desola 
tion  indiscriminately  over  all  that  shall  lie  in  its 

1  Hallam,  pp.  173,  174;  also  2  Do.  and  in  Fuller,  ii.  p.  78, 
Bacon's  Tracts,  vol.  i.  p.  387,  as  &c.,and  Antiquse  Nugse,  part  i.  p. 
to  the  desired  reforms.  181. 


134  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

way.  Streams  of  thought,  accumulating  currents 
of  mind,  coming  from  sources  permanent  and  deep, 
long  pent  up,  and  arbitrarily  forced  back  to 
revolve  and  react,  and  gather  strength,  at  length 
acquire  a  might  no  power  on  earth  can  control. 

A  weak  King,  with  state  and  church  courtiers, 
makes  the  attempt:  of  his  own  sovereign  will, 
taking  counsel  only  of  such  as  are  interested  to 
flatter  him,  he  takes  upon  himself  to  dictate  to 
Parliament.  By  proclamations  with  courts  sub 
servient  to  his  will  to  give  them  the  force  of  law, 
he  presses  the  strictest  conformity  in  matters  of 
religious  observances  upon  men  conscientiously 
differing.  As  &  partisan,  he  stigmatizes  as  Puritans 
all  that  body  in  the  church  who  concurred  not  in 
his  imperious  views,  and  the  non-conforming  as 
"  novelists,"  as  "  scarcely  to  be  endured,"  "  a  sect 
insufferable  in  any  well  governed  commonwealth ;" 
and  not  to  be  tolerated  in  the  kingdom.3  Subse 
quent  history  relates  the  results. 

About  this  time  another  element  made  its  ap 
pearance  in  the  controversy.  Able  men  and  states 
men,  in  and  out  of  Parliament,  saw  their  constitu 
tional  rights,  their  chartered  liberties,  trespassed 
upon,  violated,  even  the  existence  of  them  denied. 
Those  who  would  assert  those  rights,  and  defend 
those  liberties,  were  stigmatized  as  political  Puri 
tans.  Hence  this  new  element  soon  coalesced  from 

3  See  his  Proclamations  at  this     Strype's  Documentary  Annals,  ii. 
period;      Fuller,    iii.    189,     192;     60,  and  note. 
Pictorial   Hist,    of    Eng.,   iii.    15. 


NEW  ELEMENTS  IN  THE  CONTROVERSY.  135 

sympathy  with  the  other ;  and  a  union  of  Church 
Puritans  and  State  Puritans,  followed.4 

Ere  long  these  elements  were  strengthened  from 
another  source.  Not  only  some  lower  courts,  but 
the  Star  Chamber  and  High  Commission  especially 
(as  we  have  before  noticed)  had  long  been  subser 
vient  to  the  sovereign's  will  in  giving  decisions 
and  enforcing  penalties  against  the  non-conformists. 
But  a  chief  justice  of  the  Common  Pleas  was  at 
length  found  on  the  bench,  with  sufficient  weight 
of  character,  depth  of  legal  knowledge,  and,  what 
is  more,  with  an  uprightness  of  purpose,  and  stern 
determination  to  vindicate  the  law,  and  the  rights 
of  the  subject.  This  was  none  other  than  Chief 
Justice  Coke.  By  his  decisions  it  was  shown  and 
maintained,  that  the  Court  of  High  Commission, 
in  enforcing  those  penalties,  was  in  many  particuj- 
lars  acting  by  usurped  authority. 

Mighty  was  the  struggle;  but  constitutional 
right  and  law  were,  in  part  at  least,  and  for  a  little 
time,  triumphant.  The  sovereign  concurred.  The 
force  of  his  proclamations,  issued  without  authority 
of  Parliament,  was  weakened.5 

It  was  about  the  commencement  of  this  last 


4  Rapin,  ii.  424,  440.  618.     It  may  here  be  added,  that 

5  Life  of  Chief  Justice  Coke,  by  in  all  this,  the  English  nation,  and 
Lord.  Mansfield;  more  particularly  we  ourselves,  owe  to  Chief  Justice 
in  Johnson's  Life  of  Sir  Edward  Coke  a  debt  of  gratitude  due  to 
Coke,  i.  206-236,  and  ii.  102, 139.  no  other.     In  opposition  to  all  the 
Coke's  Institutes,  pt.  iv.  page  324,  exercises  of   an   arbitrary  power 
opposed  to  acts  of  Bancroft ;  Re-  by  King,  Council,  and  High  Com 
ports,  pt.  xii.,  vii.  pp.  19,  41.  mission,  especially  in  "  cases  Ec- 

Strype's  Doc.  Annals,  pt.  ii.  601,  clesiastical,"  did  he  most  manfully 


136 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


train  of  circumstances,  in  this  long,  sad  controversy, 
and  under  the  pressure  of  the  measures  renewedly 
enforced  by  deprivations,  fines,  imprisonments,  and 
confiscations,  that  William  Brewster  left  the 
Established  Church. 

For  "  many  years"  had  he  been  engaged  actively, 
yet  orderly  (and  while  holding  office  under  Govern 
ment),  in  furthering  the  cause  of  religion  in  the 
church,  in  procuring  worthy  ministers  for  the  des 
titute,  and  in  doing  good  according  to  his  power; 
living  the  while  in  high  esteem  among  the  best  in 
that  portion  of  the  land.  With  an  observant  eye 
had  he  beheld  all  that  was  passing.  He  had  pro- 


vindicate  the  prerogatives  of  the 
Court  of  Common  Pleas,  and  the 
principles  of  the  common  law. 
Most  firmly  did  he  withstand  the 
arts,  persuasions,  proffered  favors, 
and  menaces  of  the  highest  and 
most  powerful,  until  at  length  King 
James  declared  his  will  to  "  reform 
the  High  Commission  in  divers 
points,  and  reduce  it  to  certain 
spiritual  causes." 

To  the  liberties  of  the  people  it 
was  matter  of  vital  concern.  Thus 
checked  in  its  illegal  proceedings, 
this  court  became  gradually  more 
and  more  unpopular,  until  by  the 
act  of  16th  of  Charles  I.  it  was 
finally  abolished.  The  second 
section  of  the  act  declared  it  to  be 
a  "  court  by  which  the  King's  sub 
jects  sustained  great  and  insuffer 
able  wrongs  and  oppressions." 
The  attempt  afterwards  by  James 
II.  to  revive  it,  proved  one  of  the 


causes  that  hurled  him  from  his 
throne. 

Annexed  are  some  specimens  of 
Coke's  Maxims. 

"No  proclamation  can  be  offeree 
against  an  act  of  Parliament." 

"  If  a  proclamation  is  issued 
contrary  to  law,  the  law  is  to  be 
obeyed,  and  not  the  proclamation." 

"No  subject,  though  ever  so 
powerful  or  subtle,  ever  confronted 
or  jostled  with  the  law  of  England, 
but  the  same,  in  the  end,  infallibly 
broke  his  neck." 

"  The  High  Commission  cannot, 
by  force  of  the  act  of  1st  Elizabeth, 
send  a  pursuivant  to  arrest  any 
person  subject  to  their  jurisdiction, 
but  ought  to  proceed  by  cita 
tion." — Reports,  pt.  xii.  pp.  19,41. 

For  one  instance  of  Coke's  acts 
in  point,  see  Bradford  in  Young, 
447. 


BREAVSTER  LEAVES  THE  NATIONAL  CHURCH.     137 

bably  sympathized  with  those  who  wished  for 
further  reforms.  But  it  was  not,  as  Bradford  in 
forms  us,  until  the  enforcement  of  conformity,  by 
the  King,  in  the  aggravating  manner  mentioned, 
through  Brancroft  as  primate,  and  by  the  very 
bishop  of  the  diocese  in  which  he  lived,  not  until 
this,  that  he  began  to  "  look  into  .the  unlawfulness" 
of  the  course  pursued,  and  to  call  in  question  the 
authority  of  courts  and  canons.6  It  was  not  until 
the  suspension,  deprivation,  and  silencing  of  some 
of  those  very  ministers  with  whom  he  had  asso 
ciated,  on  whose  ministry  he  had  attended,  from 
whom  he  had  heard  with  profit  the  preached  word, 
and  whom  he  esteemed  and  loved,  as  good,  yet 
persecuted  ministers  of  Christ — it  was  not  until 
all  this,  and  till  no  prospect  of  a  final  change  for 
the  better  could  be  seen,7  that  he  left  the  national 
church.  When,  withdrawing  quietly,  yet  decid 
edly,  he  entered  into  connection  with  that  separate 
organization,  of  which  the  aged  and  confessedly 
pious,  but  lately  deprived  Clifton  was  the  first 
pastor — of  which  Robinson  also  became  the  min 
ister,  and  he  himself,  in  time,  and  in  another  land, 
the  ruling  elder. 

Such  appear  to  have  been  the  facts — such  the 
circumstances  of  the  case  presented.8 

6  Bradford,  410.  s  It  is  but  justice  to  state  here, 

7  Walsingham  had  died  in  1589,  what  could  not  so  properly  appear 
Burleigli  in  1598,  and  Whitgift  in  in  the  text,  that  much  more  than 
Iti04,  and  tke  extreme  court  party  was  asked  for  in  the  Milenary  peti- 
were  now  in  full  power.  tion  was  in  after  times  provided 


138 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRE\VSTER. 


for  by  law ;  in  the  various  acts  of 
toleration,  charitable  allowances 
were  extensively  made  for  differ 
ences  of  opinion  in  matters  of 
religious  worship. 

And  justice  to  the  cause  of  truth 
demands  this  still  further  state 
ment,  in  respect  to  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America :  that  far  more 
than  was  at  first  objected  to  in 
England  was  here  set  aside,  or  left 
discretionary.  Moreover,  in  its 
organization,  a  lay  representation 
was  provided  for,  equal  to  that  of 
its  clerical  representation,  in  all 
its  legislative  assemblies  and  con 
ventions.  Thus  constituted,  it 
has  been  found,  on  comparison, 
to  bear  the  nearest  resemblance 
practicable  to  the  organization  of 
the  general  and  state  governments. 
And  in  respect  to  both  of  these 
branches  of  the  Christian  church, 
we  may  add  here  the  views  of  a 
distinguished  antiquarian,  and 
minister  of  the  congregational 
order,  Thomas  Robins,  D.  D.,  of 
New  England,  for  many  years 
Librarian  of  the  Connecticut  His 
torical  Society,  Hartford.  In  his 
"Historical  View  of  the  First 
Planters  of  New  England,"  on  re 
ferring  to  the  "  causes  which  in 
duced  certain  Puritans  to  separate 
from  the  Church  of  England,"  and 
to  the  arbitrary  measures  of  the 
English  hierarchy  of  that  day,  he 
says  :  "  No  reflection  is  intended  on 
the  present  Church  of  England, 


which  now  possesses  a  very  differ 
ent  character  from  that  which  it 
sustained  previous  to  the  revolu 
tion.  It  now  deserves  great  vene 
ration  for  its  noble  exertions  in 
the  cause  of  evangelical  truth, 
and  as  an  immovable  barrier  to 
infidelity.  Still  less  will  it  be 
thought,  by  the  candid  reader, 
that  any  unfriendly  designs  are 
entertained  towards  the  Episcopal 
Church  in  this  country,  which 
never  had  any  share  in  those  pre- 
latical  usurpations." — Preface  of, 
&c.,  p.  v. 

Hallam,  in  closing  a  chapter  on 
the  Constitutional  View  of  the  Con 
troversy,  remarks : '"  I  am  very  sen 
sible  that  such  freedom  as  I  have 
used,  cannot  be  pleasing  to  such 
as  have  sworn  allegiance  to  either 
the  Anglican  or  the  Puritan  party  ; 
and  that  even  candid  and  liberal 
minds  may  be  inclined  to  suspect 
that  I  have  not  sufficiently  ad 
mitted  the  excesses  of  one  side  to 
furnish  an  excuse  for  those  of  the 
other.  Such  readers  I  would  gladly 
refer  to  Lord  Bacon's  '  Advertise 
ment  touching  the  Controversies 
of  the  Church  of  England,'  written 
in  the  time  of  Elizabeth,  in ;  that 
tone  of  dispassionate  philosophy, 
which  the  precepts  of  Burleigh 
had  sown  in  his  deep  and  fertile 
mind,  and  taught  him  to  apply." 
Hallam's  Con.  Hist.,  p.  136 ;  Bacon, 
ii.  375,  382,  387,  &c.,  or  pp.  411, 
414,  417,  418,  &c.,  Amer.  ed. 


CHAPTER    XII. 

There's  no  impossibility  to  him 

Who  stands  prepared  to  conquer  every  hazard  : 

The  fearful  are  the  failing. — MRS.  HALE. 

THERE  is  a  turning  point  in  a  man's  life  of  far 
higher  moment  to  him  than  any  other;  a  point 
from  which  is  marked  his  character  for  better  or 
for  worse  ever  after.  Temporarily,  with  Brewster, 
had  he  remained  in  England,  that  turning  point 
might  have  been  at  the  fall  of  Davison ;  but  now 
had  he  arrived  at  another,  which  casts  that  far 
into  the  shade.  This  was  his  connection  with  the 
separate  religious  organization  just  noticed.  And 
this  it  was,  however  little  suspected  then,  that  led 
to  results  which  were  to  distinguish  the  man  to  all 
ensuing  time. 

It  was  about  the  year  1606,  evidently,  when 
this  organization  or  connection  took  place ;  and 
when  Brewster  was  in  about  his  47th  year. 
Bradford's  various  statements  brought  together, 
specify  the  time  too  plainly  to  be  any  longer 
mistaken. 

First,  ""after  they  were  joined  together  in 
communion,  he  [Brewster]  was  a  special  stay  and 


140  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

help  to  them.  They  ordinarily  met  at  his  house 
on  the  Lord's  day  (which  was  a  manor  of  the 
bishops) ;  and  with  great  love  he  entertained 
them ;"  Morton  adds,  "  and  continued  so  to  do 
whilst  they  could  stay  in  England."1  This  covers 
the  whole  time  from  their  own  separate  organiza 
tion  until  their  arrangement  to  leave  the  country. 

In  another  place,  Bradford,  speaking  of  this 
separate  organization,  and  the  trials  they  soon  had 
to  endure,  specifies  the  length  of  time  mentioned. 
"  So  after  they  had  continued  together  about  a 
year,  seeing  that  they  could  no  longer  continue 
in  that  condition,  they  resolved  to  get  over  into 
Holland,  which  was  in  the  year  1607  and  1608.2 
Prince  adds:  "This  fall  [1607]  they  began  to 
fly  over  to  Holland."  Here  we  have,  then,  the 
date  of  their  first  attempt  at  removal,  and  the 
intervening  year  between  that  removal  and  their 
separate  organization;  leaving  the  year  1606,  as 
that  wherein  their  organization  was  completed, 
and  when  Brewster  became  connected  with  them. 
If  there  was,  as  appears,  another  earlier  organiza 
tion,  it  was  that  perhaps  with  which  Mr.  Smith, 
already  alluded  to,  was  chiefly  connected. 

Strikingly  confirmatory  of  the  above  are  the 
coincident  historical  facts — as  the  extremes  of 
enforcement  of  rigid  conformity  at  the  time,  and 
of  prosecutions  for  non-conformity; — likewise, 

1  Bradford,  pp.  411,  412 ;  Mor-         2  Bradford,    pp.  •  10,    11  ;    and 
ton,  in  Young,  465.  Prince,  p.  23,  1st  ed. 


TIME  OF  JOINING  THE  SCROOBY  SEPARATION.    141 

Bradford's  computation  of tc  above  36  years  in  which 
Brewster  bore  his  part  in  weal  and  woe  with  this 
people,"  carrying  us  back  to  the  very  year  1606  ; 
also  the  facts  brought  to  light  by  Hunter,  the 
resignation  or  removal  of  Brewster  as  "  Post  of 
Scrooby,"  on  the  last  of  September,  1607;  the 
season  of  his  departure  thence,  thus  allowing  for 
an  intervening  year;  also  the  fine  imposed  on 
"  Brewster,  Brownist,  or  Separatist,"  the  22d  of 
the  next  "  April,  1608,"  for  non-appearance  at 
Southwell,  and  unpaid — for  he  had  removed.3 
Finally  Robinson's  coming  thither  from  Norwich, 
and  his  connection  with  this  people  about  the 
same  year,  1606;  all  these  help  to  confirm  the 
conclusions  drawn.4 

The  time  thus  defined,  and  the  intermediate 
year  brought  prominently  to  view,  so  also  is  the 
place  where  this  church  or  congregation  "  ordi 
narily  assembled  on  the  Lord's  day,"  viz.,  Brew- 
ster's  house,  still  called  the  Bishop's  Manor.  Here 
now  meeting  for  worship  in  its  stately  manorial 

3  Dean,  afterwards  Bishop  Hall,  4  Bradford,  p.  410.  Those  36 
writing  to  Mr.  Robinson,  and  years  and  about  one  month,  taken 
others,  after  they  had  arrived  in  from  April,  1643  (old  style), 
Amsterdam,  says:  "We  hear  of  that  is,  1642  and  one  month, 
your  separation,  and  mourn."  He  leave  the  year  1606;  the  time 
calls  it  "  The  late  separation  at  given  in  the  previous  statement. 
Amsterdam :"  again,  "  A  late  Hunter's  Founders  of  N.  Ply- 
separation,  not  the  first."  Bp.  mouth,  68,  72,  and  Mass.  Hist. 
Hall's  work,  vii.  171,  175,  385.  Col.,  i.  4th  series,  pp.  75,  117.  See 
And  Mr.  Robinson  answered,  "  The  also  Strype's  Annals,  and  Rapin, 
separation  we  have  made  ....  is  as  to  the  pressure  of  conformity 
indeed  late  and  new."  Ans.  to  at  this  particular  period. 
Bp.  Hall's  Epist. 


142  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

hall,  or  in  some  one  of  its  spacious  apartments, 
the  venerable  Clifton,  whose  ministry  had  long 
before  been  blessed  to  many  of  them,  appears  to 
have  officiated  as  their  first  pastor,  assisted  by 
Robinson  as  their  teacher  or  minister.5  Here  also 
were  called  forth  the  marked  liberality  and  affec 
tionate  attentions  of  Brewster,  not  only  in  furnish 
ing  a  place  of  worship,  but  "  in  providing  for  them 
when  they  came  together,  himself  bearing  the 
great  charge,"  and  running  the  risk  of  conse 
quences. 

Soon,  however,  were  they  made  to  feel  the  con 
sequences  of  separation.  Soon  were  the  strictest 
interpretations  of  the  law,  with  the  far  more 
stringent  proclamations  and  ecclesiastical  instruc 
tions  for  minutest  inquiry,  put  in  force.6  Accord 
ingly,  says  one  of  their  number,  "  some  were  taken 
and  clapt  into  prison,  others  had  their  houses 
beset,  and  watched  night  and  day,  they  barely 
escaping,  while  the  most  part  were  fain  to  fly 
and  leave  all — habitations,  friends,  and  means  of 
living."  James'  words  were  to  be  verified  in  their 
case :  "  I  will  make  them  conform,  or  I  will  harry 
them  out  of  the  kingdom,  or  else  do  worse;" 
words  big  with  meaning,  and  to  be  attended  with 

5  Bradford,  p.  10,  and  in  Young,  also  intimates,  errata,  p.  254,  1st 

453,   and   in  Hunter,   pp.   42-45.  ed. 

From  the  Plymouth  Church  Re-        6  See  specimens  of  the  questions 

cords,  the   intimations   are   clear  to  which  answers  were  demanded 

that  Mr.  Clyfton  was  considered  to  in  Strype  and  in  Calamy. 
be   their   first   Pastor ;    as  Prince 


SYMPATHY  AXD  AID;    PREPARE  TO  LEAVE.       143 

final  consequences,  of  which  neither  he  nor  they 
could  then  have  formed  any  conceptions. 

In  these  trials,  Brewster  was  a  further  "  special 
stay  and  help  to  them."  In  these  were  his  sym 
pathies  awakened,  new  acts  of  kindness  called  forth, 
and  the  closest  bonds  of  union  cemented.  While 
thus  harassed,  and  seeing  no  hope  of  anything 
better,  by  joint  consent  they  resolved  to  go  into 
the  Low  Countries.  There,  they  heard,  was  free 
dom  of  religion  for  all ;  thither  had  others  gone 
from  London  and  other  parts  for  the  same  cause. 
But  to  go  from  country,  homes,  friends,  livings, 
all  that  was  familiar  and  dear,  to  go  under  the  de 
clared  opprobrium  of  violators  of  law,  and  into  a 
country  known  to  them  only  by  hearsay  (Brewster 
excepted),  into  a  country  dear  of  living,  subject  to 
the  miseries  of  war,  of  strange  language,  and  as 
strange  modes  of  life,  was  sorely  trying,  and 
thought  by  many  to  be  an  "  adventure  almost  des 
perate."7  Not  the  least  discouraging  was  the  fact 
that  "  they  were  not  acquainted  with  the  trades 
nor  traffic  by  which  that  country  subsisted," 
having  been  accustomed  "only  to  a  plain  country 
life  and  the  trade  of  husbandry."8 

Yet,  though  troubled,  they  were  not  dismayed. 
Would  they  escape  from  persecution,  and  enjoy 
their  worship  in  their  own  chosen  way,  they  must 
go.  There  was  but  the  one  alternative.  They 


7  Bradford,  10.  tliis  people  as  altogether  agricul- 

8  Ibid.,  11.      This  last  is    deci-    tural ;  any  other  must  have  been 
sive  as  to  the  trade  or  calling  of    learned  afterwards. 


144  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

had  views  of  church  organization,  ceremonies, 
and  discipline,  which  the  King  and  bishops  by 
him  promoted  would  not  tolerate.  They  deter 
mined  to  flee.  Whatever  may  be  thought  of  their 
faults,  their  minds  were  guided  by  a  strong,  de 
finite,  fixed  purpose,  conscientiously  entertained, 
and  equal  to  any  sacrifice  it  might  require.9 
Equally  strong  was  their  faith  in  an  Almighty  arm 
to  guide  and  protect,  and  in  the  Divine  mercy 
finally  to  bless  them. 

But  resolved,  and  prepared  to  go,  they  en 
countered  another  trial.  The  ports  were  shut 
against  them.  They  could  go  only  in  private  ways, 
at  great  risk  of  seizure,  and  at  extraordinary  rates 
of  passage,  attended  otherwise  with  heavy  expense. 
Still  nothing  could  deter  them.  And  now  followed 
their  various  efforts  for  removal. 

Brewster,  with  a  large  company,  having  chartered 
for  their  sole  use  a  ship  at  Boston,  in  Lincolnshire, 
the  nearest  port  for  their  purpose,  repaired  thither 
at  the  time  appointed ;  but  neither  the  captain  nor 
ship  \vere  there  to  receive  them.  After  long  delay, 
and  increased  expense,  the  captain  appeared,  and 
in  the  night,  took  them  and  their  goods  on  board. 

When  on  board,  he  betrayed  them  to  the  search 
officers,  with  whom  he  had  made  agreement  for 
the  purpose.  Taken  by  these  officials,  and  placed 
in  open  boats,  they  were  searched;  their  goods 
ransacked,  and  their  persons  rifled  for  money,  even 
to  their  innermost  garments,  and  the  women  be- 

9  Bradford,  9-11. 


DISAPPOINTMENT,  BETRAYAL,  IMPRISONMENT.    145 

yoncl  the  bounds  of  modesty.  Most  probably  the 
wife  and  children  of  Brewster  were  of  the  number. 

Plundered  of  their  money,  books,  and  to  a  large 
extent  of  their  goods,  they  were  taken  back  into 
the  town,  and  made  a  spectacle  of  wonder  to  the 
multitudes  who  came  flocking  on  all  sides  to  see 
them.  In  this  plight  were  they  presented  before 
the  magistrates ;  when  messengers  with  informa 
tion  thereof  were  dispatched  to  the  Lords  of  the 
Council. 

The  magistrates  treated  them  very  courteously, 
and  showed  them  every  favor  in  their  power,  but 
could  not  release  them  without  orders  from  the 
Council  Board,  and  must  therefore  commit  them 
to  prison.  A  month  were  they  there  detained. 
After  which,  most  of  the  company  being  dismissed, 
and  sent  whence  they  came,  Brewster  and  six 
others  held  in  durance,  were  bound  over  to  the 
Court  o£  Assize. 

"  He  was  the  chief  person  of  the  company,  and 
suffered  the  greatest  loss."  The  books  mentioned, 
are  supposed  to  have  been  mostly  his.  He  was 
"  one  of  the  seven  kept  longest  in  prison" — "  suf 
fering  most."  Thus  passed  the  first  winter  of  their 
attempted  removal.10 

The  next  spring  (1608)  a  portion  of  the  same 
company,  with  others,  attempted  again  to  pass  into 
Holland.  Arranging  matters  more  cautiously  than 
before,  and  meeting  with  a  Dutchman  at  Hull,. 


10  Bradford,  pp.  11,  12,  and  412. 
10 


146  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

with  his  ship  from  Zealand,  they  informed  him  of 
their  condition,  and  with  him  made  an  agreement; 
hoping  to  find  him  more  faithful  than  they  had 
their  own  countryman. 

Assured  of  this,  at  a  certain  day  they  agreed  to 
meet  him  on  a  large  common  on  the  border  of  the 
Humber,  between  Grimsby  and  Hull.  Against 
the  appointed  time,  were  the  women  and  children 
of  the  company  forwarded  with  their  goods,  in  a 
small  hired  barque,  while  the  men  were  to  meet 
them  by  land.  The  barque  arriving  before  the 
ship,  and  the  sea  being  rough,  the  sickened  women 
induced  the  boatmen  to  put  into  a  creek,  where  at 
low  water  they  were  left  aground.  In  the  morning 
came  the  ship.  The  master,  finding  the  barque  to 
be  grounded  till  return  of  tide,  but  seeing  the  men 
walking  upon  the  shore,  and  ready,  sent  for  them, 
meanwhile,  by  boat.  Having  received  on  board 
as  many  as  could  first  come  by  the  boat,  while  pre 
paring  to  send  for  the  remainder,  he  spied  a  large 
body  of  men,  horse  and  foot,  armed,  and  in  close 
pursuit.  Uttering  his  country's  oath,  the  captain 
quickly  weighed  anchor,  hoisted  sail,  and  put  to 
sea. 

Trying  indeed  was  now  the  condition  of  those 
on  shore. 

The  men  on  board,  in  deep  distress  at  being 
taken  from  their  wives  and  children,  now  left  to  the 
mercy  of  their  pursuers,  could  but  shed  manly  tears, 
while  at  the  same  time,  they  found  themselves  for 
the  most  part  destitute,  penniless,  and  without 


SECOND  EFFORT  TO  REMOVE;    PERILS  AT  SEA.    147 

change  of  raiment.  But  vain  were  all  regrets  and 
longings  to  be  back.  There  was  no  remedy. 

Not  long,  however,  had  they  to  brood  over  what 
had  passed.  Their  own  perilous  condition  soon 
claimed  all  attention.  A  fearful  storm  followed. 
Seven  days  they  saw  neither  sun,  moon,  nor  stars. 
Driven  by  the  tempest  near  to  the  coast  of  Norway, 
even  the  mariners  themselves  were  often  in  despair. 
Once,  with  cries  and  shrieks,  they  gave  up  all  for 
lost,  the  ship  sinking  as  if  foundered  and  past  re 
covery.  "But  when  man's  help  and  hope  failed," 
says  the  narrator,  apparently  present,11  "  then  the 
Lord's  power  and  mercy  appeared  in  their  re 
covery."  Greatly  to  the  encouragement  of  the 
mariners,  the  ship  rose  again.  "  And  did  modesty 
permit,"  says  he,  "  I  might  declare  with  what  fer 
vent  prayers  some  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their 
distress ;  especially  when  the  briny  waters  were 
running  into  their  mouths  and  ears,  and  the  mari 
ners  were  crying  out, '  We  sink !  we  sink !'  When 
they,  without  distraction,  but  with  great  faith, 
cried,  '  Yet,  Lord,  thou  canst  save ;  yet,  Lord,  thou 
canst  save.' ' 

The  ship  soon  recovered;  the  violence  of  the 
storm  began  to  abate ;  and  greatly  were  their  af 
flicted  minds  comforted.  In  the  end,  some  four 
teen  days  from  their  departure,  were  they  brought 
to  their  desired  haven,  where  the  people  came 
flocking,  and  wondering  at  their  deliverance,  so 

11  Bradford,  the  future  governor,  then  about  18  years  of  age. 


148  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

long,  furious,  and  destructive  had  the  tempest 
been.12 

But  we  return  to  those  so  abruptly  left  by  the 
shore  of  the  Humber.  Such  of  the  men  as  were 
left,  and  would  be  exposed  to  the  greatest  danger 
from  their  pursuers,  eluded  their  grasp  by  escape ; 
while  those  who  best  could,  remained  to  assist  the 
destitute  and  helpless. 

Pitiable  was  the  condition  of  the  poor  women 
and  children ;  some  weeping,  and  crying  that  hus 
bands,  fathers,  and  protectors,  were  taken  from 
them,  and  to  what  trials  those  were  exposed  they 
knew  not,  nor  what  was  now  to  become  of  them 
selves  and  their  little  ones  ;  others  were  in  tears 
from  sympathy,  and  on  seeing  the  young  and  de 
fenceless  hanging  upon  them,  quaking  with  fear 
and  cold,  while  the  troop  were  upon  them  and  ap 
prehending  them. 

Whether  Brewster  was  in  this  company,  we  can 
not  discover ;  yet  it  seems  probable,  since  "  he  was 
the  first  in  all  adventures,  and  forwardest  in  any."13 

This  helpless  company,  thus  apprehended,  were 
next  taken  from  place  to  place,  hurried  from  one 
justice  to  another,  until  at  length  the  officers  were 
in  a  dilemma,  not  knowing  what  to  do  with  them. 

12  Ibid.,  pp.  13,  14.     Also,  Mor-  Bradford  not  now  extant,  and  says, 
ton  in  Young,  465.  expressly  respecting  Brewster :  "  I 

13  Bradford,  14,  and  Morton  in  could    say    much    of   mine    own 
Young,  465.  knowledge ;  but  shall  content  my- 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  self  with  the  hon.  testimony  of  Mr. 

we  have  reason  to  trust   Morton,  Wm.  Bradford."     Mem.,  p.  132, 

on  points   omitted   in   Bradford's  old  ed. 
history,  for  he    had  writings  by 


DILEMMA;  CONSEQUENCES;  MEET  IN  HOLLAND.    149 

To  imprison  so  many  women  and  innocent  children 
for  no  other  cause  in  respect  to  a  large  portion  of 
them,  than  that  they  would  go  with  their  husbands 
or  parents,  appeared  not  only  unreasonable,  but 
all  men  would  cry  out  against  it.  To  send  them 
to  their  homes  was  as  difficult ;  for,  as  they  alleged 
truly,  they  had  none,  having  sold  all  in  order  to 
their  removal.  In  the  end,  having  passed  from 
one  constable  to  another,  after  great  trouble,  glad 
were  the  officers  to  be  rid  of  them  on  any  terms ; 
and  thus  was  forced  a  way  for  their  final  release. 

As  a  consequence  of  these  exposures  and  trials, 
not  only  in  the  country,  but  at  Boston,  Grimsby, 
Hull,  and  other  places  of  note,  their  case  and  cause 
became  widely  known.  On  many  minds  deep  and 
lasting  was  the  impression,  especially  as  connected 
with  their  patient  endurance  and  irreproachable 
lives.  Some  of  them,  indeed,  shrunk  disheartened 
from  their  conflicts  ;  but  others  came  forth  with 
fresh  courage,  greatly  animating  the  remainder.14 

Such,  and  other  trials  like  these,  did  Brewster 
and  this  people  endure.  Amidst  such  they  com 
menced  their  movements,  in  all  of  which  his  agency 
was  conspicuous ;  through  such  did  they  resolutely 
pass,  notwithstanding  all  opposition,  until  at  length, 
some  at  one  time  and  place,  and  some  at  another, 
they  arrived  in  Holland ;  there  meeting  again  to 
gether  as  in  a  secure  retreat,  according  to  their 
desires,  and  to  their  no  small  rejoicing. 

14  Bradford,  pp.  14,  15. 


CHAPTER    XIII. 

"  Hope  without  an  object  cannot  live." — COLERIDGE. 

BREWSTER  with  his  pastor,  and  the  emigrant 
company,  arrived  at  Amsterdam,  in  Holland,  in 
the  summer  of  1608.  They  were  "the  last  to 
come  over,"  having  tarried  "  longest  in  England,  to 
help  the  weakest  over  before  them."1 

And  now  they  "began  to  realize  the  fact,  that 
they  were  indeed  strangers  in  a  strange  land,  with 
a  people  of  strange  speech,  manners,  dress,  diet — 
a  people  proverbially  patient,  of  untiring  industry 
and  most  rigid  economy,  '  saving  all  gains  in  all 
manner  of  ways.3  A  country  they  found,  densely 
populated,  differing  externally,  in  habits  and 
modes  of  labor,  from  all  to  which  they  had  been 
accustomed  in  the  rural  life  of  their  English 
inland  homes.  Situations  in  business  they  also 
found  preoccupied,  and  in  them  much  rivalry. 
Unfavorable,  therefore,  were  their  prospects  of 
immediate  employment,  or  of  obtaining  a  com 
fortable  living. 

But    their    purpose    was    fixed,    patiently    to 

1  Bradford,  p.  16. 


AMSTERDAM;    THEIR  CONDITION  IN  THAT  CITY.    151 

accommodate  themselves  to  their  new  circumstances, 
and  to  surmount  all  difficulties.  They  beheld  a 
city  risen  from  an  insignificant  village,  built  upon 
piles  over  a  salt  marsh,  around  a  dam  across  the 
mouth  of  the  river  Amstel  (and  hence  its  name 
Amsterdam,  from  the  dam  of  the  Amstel\  and 
now  by  unexampled  industry  grown  into  a  mighty 
mart  renowned  for  its  increasing  commerce, 
accumulated  wealth,  and  stately  buildings.  They 
beheld  its  harbor  enlivened,  and  wharves  lined 
with  ships  from  every  known  clime;  and  on  its 
scores  of  canals  in  place  of  streets,  water  craft 
floating  without  number,  of  every  form  and  for 
every  needed  purpose.  Hither  had  fled  from  the 
blood-stained  streets  and  blackened  ruins  of 
Antwerp,  large  numbers  of  the  Protestant  popula 
tion  of  that  captured  and  plundered  city,  bringing 
with  them  their  arts,  manufactures,  and  skill  in 
trade. 

Hither  had  come  not  a  few  like  themselves,  to 
find  a  safe  retreat  from  persecution,  from  France, 
Germany,  and  even  from  England.  Thus  had 
Amsterdam  become  in  Holland,  what  Antwerp 
had  been  in  Flanders,  the  grand  emporium  of 
Europe.2 

But  while  they  saw  all  this,  other  things 
demanded  their  immediate  attention.  They  were 
to  provide  at  once  for  the  necessities  of  themselves 
and  families,  and  to  arrange  their  church  order 

2  Bradford,  11  and  16,  and  Malte  Bran,  iii.  1000,  1103,  &c. 


152  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

and  worship,  to  enjoy  which  in  peace  they  had 
come  to  Holland. 

But  in  this  latter  chief  purpose,  they  met  with 
an  unexpected  hindrance.  Mr.  Smith  and  his 
company,  of  whom  we  have  already  spoken,  had 
arrived  here  some  time  before  them.  And  years 
before  his  arrival,  had  another,  older  separate 
congregation,  come  from  London,  and  been  here 
settled.  With  this  older  separate  company  Smith 
and  his  people  "  were  already  involved  in  con 
tention,"  which  "no  means  that  Robinson  and 
Brewster  could  use  would  allay."  Besides,  in  that 
older  church  itself  were  the  flames  of  contention 
likely  to  break  out,  wThich  afterwards  lamentably 
came  to  pass.  "  Which  things  Robinson  and 
Brewster  foreseeing,  prudently  resolved  to  remove 
thence,  before  they  became  involved  in  them."3 

Scarcely,  therefore,  had  they  been  here  an 
entire  year,  when,  to  escape  from  contention,  and 
live  in  peace  among  themselves,  they  sought 
another  place  of  abode.  Thus  soon  breaking  up 
all  local  plans  and  arrangements  already  made, 
and  gathering  all  again  together,  they  removed  to 
Leyden,  another  city  next  in  size  to  Amsterdam, 
about  38  miles  distant. 

This  removal,  and  the  reasons  given,  were  cha 
racteristic  of  the  men  acting  from  principle  and 
desire  of  peace,  though  they  knew  it  would  be  to 

3  Bradford,  16  and  17. 


REMOVAL  TO  LEYDEN;  THE  CAUSES.      153 

the  prejudice  of  their  worldly  interests  then,  and, 
to  appearance,  in  future,  as  the  event  proved.4 

Here,  also,  is  shown  the  fact  that,  with  neither 
of  those  separately  organized  bodies  (though  sym 
pathizing  with  them  in  most  things),  with  neither 
of  them  did  this  company  under  Clifton,  now 
under  Robinson  and  Brewster,  become  united.5 
Nor  did  they  approve,  it  appears,  of  the  rigid 
notions  of  some  of  those  Separatists  in  respect  to 
modes  of  dress,  as  well  as  in  respect  to  the  mode 
of  baptism,  and  to  some  particulars  in  church 
government,  which  caused  those  contentions.6 

It  was  early  in  the  summer  of  1609  when  this 
emigrant  company,  with  perhaps  a  few  exceptions, 
came  to  Leyden.  Here,  again,  they  saw  an  ancient 
city,  situated  in  the  midst  of  the  district  of  Rhine- 
land,  a  district  presenting  a  vast  level  expanse  of 
the  richest  meadows  in  the  world,  adorned  with 
seventy  villages,  with  their  towers  and  spires 
rising  to  view  out  of  tufted  groves,  and  the  whole 
specked  with  interminable  flocks  and  herds,  a 
view  extending  until  lost  in  the  bluish  haze 
beyond  the  cities  of  Delft  and  the  Hague. 

Of  the  city  itself,  built  on  thirty  islands  formed 
by  river  and  canals,  and  connected  by  numerous 

4  "Valuing  peace  (says  Brad-  the    Memoirs   of    Robinson,    pre- 
ford)  and  spiritual  comfort  above  fixed  to  his  works,  and  in  Mass. 
all  earthly  riches."  Hist.  Coll.,  4th  series,  i.  123.     See 

5  Bradford,  16,  17;  Prince's  An-  further  in  Chap.  XXVII.  of  this 
nals,  26,  27.     These  facts  are  here  work. 

stated  thus  particularly,  since  they        6  Bradford,  in  Young,  445-6-7, 
have  been  inaccurately  stated  in     and  450. 


154  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

bridges,  there  is  a  partial  view  in  the  annexed 
print.  In  the  foreground  are  seen,  on  the  right, 
the  main  street,  through  the  centre,  the  New 
Rhine,  with  its  slow  moving  current,  bearing  on 
its  surface  various  water  craft,  the  other,  or  Old 
Rhine,  being  concealed  from  sight.  Of  the  many 
churches,  St.  Peter's,  on  the  extreme  right,  and 
St.  Pancras  on  the  left,  lift  their  huge  masses 
above  all  inferior  buildings — (St.  Peter's  dating 
back  into  the  12th  century,  and  where  the  pastor, 
Robinson,  was  to  be  at  length  buried).  On  every 
side  are  ranges  of  buildings,  high  and  low,  public 
and  private,  with  picturesque  old  gables  in  true 
Dutch  style,  of  red  brick,  fantastically  inlaid  with 
stone-work,  in  some  of  which  were  doubtless,  for 
a  time,  the  abodes  of  the  pilgrims.  Other  fine 
streets  met  the  eye,  with  shady  walks  and  noble 
edifices ;  and  skirting  the  whole  were  walls, 
towers,  and  armed  battlements,  while  beyond  was 
spread  out  the  level  sea  of  verdure,  with  countless 
windmills,  and  densely  populated  burghs  and 
hamlets. 

"  A  beautiful  city,"  says  the  historian,  "  a  fail- 
beautiful  city,  of  a  sweet  situation."7 

Hither,  also,  as  well  as  to  Amsterdam,  adding 
greatly  to  its  active  population,  had  fled  large 
numbers  of  Protestants,  artisans,  manufacturers, 
merchants,  and  men  of  science  from  fallen  Ant 
werp. 

7  Bradford,  17 ;  Bartlett's  Pilgrim  Fathers,  75,  79,  &c. 


LEYDEN;    UNIVERSITY;    HARDSHIPS  HERE.        155 

But  the  chief  glory  of  Ley  den  was  its  university. 
Founded  soon  after  the  siege  and  almost  super 
human  defence  of  1574,  now  drawing  numerous 
students  from  its  own  and  the  surrounding  states, 
already,  with  its  eminent  professors  and  other  ad 
vantages,  was  it  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  high  and 
justly  earned  reputation  throughout  the  learned 
world.8  Here,  also,  must  have  come  up  vividly  to 
the  mind  of  Brewster,  historic  recollections  of  the 
embassy  to  this  vicinity,  with  which  he  was  con 
nected  some  twenty-three  years  before. 

Still,  though  our  emigrant  band,  to  use  their 
own  words,  saw  around  them  "goodly  cities, 
strongly  armed"  and  "  abounding  in  all  kinds  of 
wealth,"  not  long  could  those  goodly  sights  detain 
their  thoughts  from  their  own  reduced  condition. 

Many  were  their  discouragements  here  also, 
greater  even  externally  than  when  they  were  in 
Amsterdam.  By  extra  expenditures  and  deten 
tions  in  England,  loss  of  goods,  imprisonment,  high 
rates  of  passage,  and  this  last  removal,  had  their 
means  been  sadly  diminished,  nay,  well  nigh  ex 
hausted.  Lonely  strangers  were  they  still  in  a 
strange  land,  and  still  unacquainted,  for  the  most 
part,  with  the  trades  and  modes  of  procuring  sub- 

8  Malte  Brun,  article  Leyden,  While  this  appears  to  have  been 
and  Notes  ;  Bradford,  17,  and  the  fact  in  respect  to  him,  a  state- 
Brandt,  ment  usually  connected  with  it, 

Ibid.     It  is   said  that  the   yet  in  respect  to  Brewster,  is  not  so, 

youthful  Bradford,  in  this  neces-  and  will  be  corrected  in  its  proper 

sity  learned    the   trade    of    silk  place, 
dyeing. 


156  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

sistence.  Looking  around,  stern  poverty  rose  up 
before  them  as  a  strong  man  armed,  whom  they 
could  not  escape,  with  whom  they  must  contend. 
And  with  him,  in  faith  and  patience,  did  they  most 
resolutely  contend.  Betaking  themselves  at  once 
to  such  trades  and  employments  as  best  they  could, 
at  length,  "  with  hard,  and  long-continued  labor," 
and  with  sore  "  conflicts  and  misgivings  in  some," 
did  they  succeed  in  obtaining  a  competency. 

In  these  trials  and  conflicts,  how  was  it  with 
Brewster  himself,  who  had  shared  most  largely  in 
their  losses,  made  the  greatest  sacrifices,  been  most 
forward  in  every  enterprise,  spent  most  liberally 
for  the  general  good;  whose  wisdom  in  council, 
discretion  in  action,  and  public  experience,  had 
won  their  entire  confidence,  their  affectionate  re 
gard  ;  nay,  without  whom,  probably,  they  could 
never  have  made  this  formidable  movement. 

On  coming  to  Leyden,  and  on  the  full  organiza 
tion  of  their  church  or  congregation  in  their  own 
chosen  way,  "  Mr.  Robinson  was  duly  recognized 
as  sole  pastor,  and  Mr.  William  Brewster  chosen 
as  their  ruling  elder."9  The  aged  Clifton,  their 
first  pastor,  whose  course  of  life  was  now  almost 
run,  had  concluded  to  remain  in  Amsterdam*10 
Thus  chosen  to  be  their  ruling  elder,  Brewster  was 

9  Bradford,  p.  17.  pass  his    few  declining  years  at 

10  Bradford, p.  17.    Clifton  came     Amsterdam,  -where  he  died,  20th 
into    Holland,    Aug.    1608  ;    and    May,  1616,  and  his  wife,  3d  Sept., 
though  connected  with  this  con-     1613.     Hunter,  44. 

gregation  or  church,  concluded  to 


ROBINSON  PASTOR;    BREWSTER  RULING  ELDER.    157 

henceforth  designated  by  the  terms,  "  The  Elder," 
"Elder  Brewster,"  and  "  Elder  William  Brewster." 
Nor  was  the  name  or  position  by  any  means  no 
minal,  in  respect  to  him  or  them.  While  it  im 
posed  upon  him  duties,  in  their  view  sacred  and 
important,  as  their  lay  ruler,  and  in  certain  con 
tingencies  as  their  instructor,  it  bound  him  volun 
tarily  to  them,  and  they  to  him,  in  ties  deemed  by 
them  among  the  strongest  and  dearest.11 

But  how  was  it  as  to  his  temporal  affairs  1  In 
this  respect,  whatever  may  have  been  his  portion 
of  wealth,  whether  greater  or  smaller  while  in 
England,  by  expenditures  for  himself  and  others, 
already  noticed,  we  find  that,  by  this  time,  his 
condition  could  be  no  more  favorable  than  that  of 
his  brethren.  Briefly,  says  one  who  knew,  "  after 
he  came  into  Holland,  having  spent  the  most  of 
his  means,"  and  "having  a  great. charge,  and  many 
children,  he  suffered  much  hardship."12 

This  "  great  charge,"  in  addition  to  his  own 
family  (of  at  least  seven,  with  himself),  seems  to 
imply  numerous  dependants,  or  domestics,  appa 
rently  a  portion  of  his  household  while  in  England, 
and  still  here  dependent  upon  him. 

But  what  rendered  his  own  condition  peculiar, 
and  his  present  hardships  the  greater,  was  the 
manner  of  his  early  training,  with  the  refinements 
to  which  he  had  been  accustomed,  unfitting  him 

11  For  a  particular   account   of    ization,  see  their  own  statements 
this  office  in  their  church  organ-     in  Chaps.  XVII.  and  XXVII. 

12  Bradford's  Hist.,  412. 


158  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

for  these  "  laborious  employments,"  in  which  others, 
more  hardy,  could  readily  engage.  Yet  amidst  it 
all,  while  using  every  means  of  alleviation  within 
his  reach,  he  presented  (what  must  have  had  a 
most  salutary  influence  upon  his  companions  in 
trial)  "an  example  of  cheerful  contentment  with 
his  lot."13 

But  at  length,  in  the  good  providence  of  God, 
and  in  time  of  greatest  need,  was  opened  to  him 
the  way  of  relief. 

Already  have  we  noticed,  in  his  early  education, 
his  knowledge  of  the  Latin.  And  now,  the  in 
creased  intercourse,  commercially  and  politically, 
between  Holland  and  England,  caused  a  desire  and 
demand  among  the  students  of  the  university,  and 
others  of  influence,  for  a  knowledge  of  the  Eng 
lish. 

To  Elder  Brewster,  peculiarly  qualified,  was  thus 
presented  the  opportunity  to  meet  this  demand. 
Both  he  and  they  being  masters  of  the  Latin,  it 
was  at  once  a  ready  medium  of  communication  to 
this  end ;  and  to  him  they  resorted,  as  other  studies 
would  permit.  To  facilitate  their  progress,  he 
prepared  rules,  or  a  grammar,  after  the  Latin 
manner,  by  which  their  acquisition  of  the  English 
became  rapid  and  highly  satisfactory.  We  can 
easily  imagine  how,  and  with  what  interest,  he 
became  thus  engaged  with  gentlemen  of  the  uni 
versity;  as  the  record  states,  "Danes  and  Germans, 

13  Bradford's  Hist.,  412. 


HOUR  OF  NEED;    RELIEF;    EFFORTS  FOR  GOOD.      159 

some  of  families  of  high  distinction,"  they  in  stu 
dious  attendance  upon  his  instructions ;  and  all 
resulting  in  a  manner  equally  beneficial  to  the 
instructor  and  the  instructed.14  It  was  in  a  way 
suited  to  his  early  training,  tastes,  and  studies. 
Here  also  must  his  early  experience  and  inter 
course  in  diplomatic  life  have  added  greatly  to  the 
interest  in  his  course  of  instruction. 

How  soon  after  his  removal  to  Leyden  this  course 
was  commenced,  we  are  unable  to  discover.  Nor 
are  we  informed  as  to  many  other  particulars  of 
his  life,  during  the  several  current  years  between 
1610  and  1617.  A  general  view,  however,  we 
have,  from  incidental  statements.  In  them  all  he 
is  presented  before  us  as  exemplary  in  his  duties 
to  his  family,  ready  to  improve  all  opportunities  of 
doing  good,  but  especially  active,  in  connection 
with  his  pastor,  in  promoting  the  edification  and 
increase,  and,  as  ruling  elder,  in  preserving,  by 
mild  yet  firm  discipline,  the  unity  and  peace  of 
their  congregation. 

By  these  means,  from  their  small  beginnings 
increasing  by  accessions  from  England  and  other 
sources,  their  number,  in  time,  amounted  to  about 
three  hundred  communicating  members.15 

11  Brad.,  412. 

15  Bradford,  p.  17,  and  Winslow,  in  Young,  455,  456. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

To  give  religion  her  unbridled  scope, 

Nor  judge  by  statute  a  believer's  hope. — COWPER. 

AND  how  was  it  as  to  the  state  of  religion  and 
religious  toleration  in  Holland  at  this  period  ? 

How  matters  stood  politically  during  the  em 
bassy  of  Mr.  Davison,  when  William  Brewster 
attended  him  thither  nearly  thirty  years  before, 
we  then  had  occasion  to  notice.  Then  came  into 
view  the  fearful  struggle  with  Spain.  That 
struggle  was  continued.  During  its  continuance 
many  of  the  Protestant  inhabitants  were  mas 
sacred  ;  fair  districts  were  overrun ;  yet,  with  the 
partial  aid  of  England,  the  United  Provinces  had 
asserted  their  independence,  and  obtained  a  twelve 
years'  truce.  With  their  independence,  they  had 
established,  to  a  great  extent,  civil  and  religious 
liberty. 

Here  was  now  an  external,  though  not  an  entire 
internal,  toleration  of  all  who  professed  the  Chris 
tian  name.  Here  were  Roman  Catholics  who  had 
helped  to  assert  their  liberties,  and  were  quietly 
partaking  of  the  accompanying  privileges.  Here 
were  Lutherans,  though  the  Dutch  felt  a  strong 


EXTENT  OF  TOLERATION  IN  HOLLAND.  161 

antipathy  to  them,  stronger  even  than  had  been 
felt  towards  them  in  England.  Here  were  French 
Protestants  and  English,  of  different  names ;  Ana 
baptists,  and  many  others,  with  their  peculiarities. 
Here  was  now  our  Pilgrim  company  at  Leyden ; 
also  another  English  church  or  congregation,  that 
came  to  Leyden  the  same  year.  All  who  came 
thither  and  lived  peaceably  under  the  protection 
afforded,  and  aided  in  the  support  of  the  State, 
were  tolerated.  Indeed,  such  indiscriminate  tole 
ration  was  made,  at  the  time,  the  subject  of  re 
proach  and  ridicule,  a  theme  of  poetic  sarcasm, 
particularly  as  to  Amsterdam.1 

In  all  this,  the  government  acted  -not  merely 
from  regard  to  the  Protestant  cause,  but  also  on 
grounds  of  political  policy,  and  with  shrewd  cal 
culations  of  commercial  interest.2  Hence,  not 
withstanding  the  desolations  of  war,  and  the 
limited  extent  and  power  of  the  States  compared 
with  Spain,  great  multitudes  continually  flocked 
hither,  many  in  aid  of  the  Protestant  faith,  some 
to  escape  from  imprisonments  and  persecutions  at 
home,  and  not  a  few  for  barter  and  commerce. 
From  these  accessions  were  the  ranks  of  their 
armies  filled,  their  losses  supplied ;  even  in  time 

1  "A  common  harbor  of  all  "Amsterdam,  Turk,  Christian,  Jewr 
opinions,  of  all  heresies,"  says  Staple  of  all  sects,  and  mint  of 
one;  "a  cage  of  unclean  "birds  ;"  schism,  grew." 

"  all  strange  religions   flock  thi-     Note  in  Young,  23,  24. 
ther,"  says  another ;    "  the  great         2  Leicester  Correspondence, 
mingle  mangle  of  religion,"  says 
a  third.     Hence  that  sarcasm — 
11 


162  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

of  war,  agriculture  and  the  arts  flourished,  and  the 
Dutch  were  extending  their  commerce,  and  dis 
coveries,  and  colonies,  with  persevering  energy,  to 
the  distant  regions  of  the  earth. 

But,  along  with  their  civil  liberties  and  general 
external  toleration  in  respect  to  religion,  the 
States  had  their  internally  established  Protestant 
Church,  the  legally  established  Church  of  the 
Netherlands,  constituted  under  the  Presbyterian 
form.  Accordingly,  its  church  edifices  were  pro 
vided,  and  pastors  chiefly  supported,  by  the  State 
or  by  law.  Congregations  of  foreigners  also,  on 
application,  were  usually  provided  for  in  like 
manner.  Chaplains  of  the  Church  of  England  for 
English  troops  and  garrisons,  as  well  as  English 
congregations,  were  thus  accommodated  or  aided. 

Our  emigrant  company,  however,  appear  not  to 
have  been  thus  favored,  certain  influences  prevent 
ing.  No  church  edifice  was  opened  to  them,  no 
aid  provided  for  their  pastor's  support. 

A  church  establishment  there  was  then  in  Hol 
land,  as  in  other  countries  at  this  period,  not  a 
peacefully  established  religion,  indeed,  for  "  to  speak 
of  such  in  the  confusion  of  those  times,  would  be 
to  speak  of  settled  estates  in  an  earthquake."  In 
this  state  church  had  the  "  Netherlands'  Confes 
sion  of  Faith  and  Catechism"  been  adopted,  as 
scriptural,  perhaps,  as  could  then  have  been  re 
ceived  or  composed.  "  Its  articles  had  been  drawn 
originally  by  their  most  moderate  and  judicious 
divines,  with  a  scope  in  the  main  like  the  English, 


ARMINIAN  AND  CALVINIAN  CONTROVERSY.       163 

equally  removed  from  the  extremes  of  latitudina- 
rianism  on  either  side."  On  those  "  high  mys 
terious  points  commonly  called  Calvinistic"  (in 
which  sense  they  had  been  adopted),  differences 
of  opinion  were  both  allowed  and  entertained. 

And  it  has  been  remarked  that  "it  was  from 
that  intrinsic  liberty  of  speech  and  of  thought, 
which  was  in  fact  never  fairly  or  legally  withheld 
from  the  Belgic  churches,  that  such  discrepancies 
of  judgment  arose."  And  from  the  long  line  of 
facts  we  are  bold  to  say,  that  "  such  will  ever  arise, 
on  the  same  subjects,  among  different  members  of 
the  same  establishment,  as  long  as  the  laws  and 
sentiments  of  that  establishment  shall  be  in  a 
healthy  state;  as  long  as  they  shall  rest  upon  a 
true  scriptural  base."3  And  here  is  ever  the  field, 
and  here  the  call,  for  the  continual  exercise  of 
Christian  charity  towards  all  the  pious  members  of 
the  body — charity  "  the  bond  of  perfectness," 
without  which  all  zeal — all  else,  is  as  nothing.  It 
is  the  voice  of  history ;  it  is  the  voice  of  God. 

To  come  to  the  point  before  us,  our  emigrant 
company  found  the  established  church  of  the 
Netherlands  now  in  the  midst  of  a  most  agitating 

o  O 

controversy.  It  was  a  controversy  that  had 
agitated  and  shaken,  and  continued  to  convulse, 
large  portions  of  the  Romish  church,  between  the 
rival  organizations  of  Louvain,  Douay,  and  the 
Jansenists  on  the  one  side,  and  the  order  of  the 

3  Review  of  Bp.  Hall  and  Arminius,  Christ.  Obs.,  vol.  xxvii,  547. 


164 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


Jesuits  on  the  other ;  a  controversy  upon  the  deep 
points  of  predestination  and  grace.4 

This  controversy  had  become  rife  in  the 
University  of  Leyden,  and  was  beginning  to  pre 
vail  throughout  the  States.  Arminius,  from 
whom,  among  Protestants,  the  system  took  its 
name  in  contrast  with  that  of  Calvin,  had  been  in 
this  university  a  distinguished  divinity  professor. 
As  a  coincidence  that  may  be  remembered,  he 
was  born,  as  appears,  in  the  same  year  as  William 
Brewster,  and  in  the  same  in  which  the  celebrated 
Melancthon  died.  And  the  year  that  our  com 
pany  came  to  Leyden,  Arminius  died.5 


4  Dupin.     Eccle.     Hist.     17th 
Century.   Book  i.    and  Book  iii. 
chap,  ii.-ix. 

5  Born  in  1560,  he  was  trained 
first  by  a  pious  mother,  next  by 
a   Protestant  minister    from   the 
Roman  Church,  next  six  years  at 
the  Leyden  University,  then  for 
his  promising  talents  and  piety 
was  adopted  by  the  Burgomasters 
of  Amsterdam,  and  by  them  sent 
to  Geneva.     One  year  he  was  at 
Basle,  again  three  years  at  Geneva, 
under  the  distinguished  Beza  from 
whose  Calvinistic   sentiments  he 
seems  not  then  to  have  expressed 
the  slightest  dissent.     Then  tra 
velling  to  Rome,   and   returning 
to  the  city  of  his  adoption,  he  was 
made  pastor  of  one  of  its  principal 
churches.     Here  laboring  success 
fully  for  years,  and  called  upon  to 
answer     the    writings    of     some 


brethren  at  Delft  who  dissented 
from  the  high  Calvinistic  ground, 
he  undertook  the  task,  and  the 
result  was,  through  painful  agita 
tions  and  struggles,  a  gradual 
relinquishment  of  those  dis 
tinguishing  views,  and  the  adop 
tion  of  others  for  which  he  became 
famous,  and  for  which  he  suffered. 
In  the  midst  of  much  censure 
from  some,  loss  of  favor  from 
others,  yet  for  his  learning  and 
piety  highly  esteemed  by  many, 
he  was,  in  1602,  elected  to  the 
high  divinity  chair  at  Leyden. 
Here  candidly  and  learnedly  he 
advocated  his  views,  while  the 
other  learned  divinity  professor, 
equally  devoted  and  sincere, 
advocated  the  opposite.  And  the 
deeply  agitating  controversy  ex 
tended  not  only  through  the 
university,  but  through  the  State. 


PROGRESS  OF  THE  CONTROVERSY  IN  HOLLAND.   165 

In  this  Arminian  controversy,  our  pilgrim 
company  could  not  but  become  deeply  interested ; 
in  it  their  pastor  became  personally  engaged. 
With  Episcopius,  the  successor  and  eloquent 
advocate  of  the  views  of  Arminius,  Mr.  Robinson 
came  into  direct  contact,  and  engaged  in  full 
discussion. 

"Great,"  says  Bradford,  "were  the  troubles 
raised,  greatly  molesting  the  whole  State,  and 
Leyden  in  particular,  where  was  the  chief  univer 
sity."  Frequent  and  warm  were  the  disputations 
in  the  various  schools ;  and  such  was  the  excite 
ment,  that  while  the  two  professors,  Episcopius 
and  Poliander,  were  themselves  teaching  daily  in 
the  university,  the  one  for,  and  the  other  against 
the  views  of  Arminius,  few  of  the  disciples  of  the 
one  would  listen  to  the  teachings  of  the  other. 

Taking  opportunity  constantly  to  hear  the  read 
ings  of  both,  being  well  grounded  in  the  contro 
versy,  and  seeing  the  force  of  all  the  arguments, 
the  pastor  of  the  emigrant  company,  himself  quick 
of  apprehension  and  ready  of  speech,  was  desired 
by  Poliander  and  the  chief  ministers  of  the  city, 
to  take  part  in  the  discussion.  Loth  as  a  stranger 
to  do  this,  yet  importuned,  when  Episcopius,  the 
Arminian  professor,  put  forth  his  theses,  and  his 
full  strength  to  discuss  and  defend  them,  their 
pastor  yielded ;  and,  adds  the  perhaps  too  partial 

The  very  year  of  the  arrival  of  his  sorrows,  and  his  life.  See 
our  emigrant  band  in  Leyden,  references  under  note  7,  on  page 
(1609)  Arminius  closed  his  labors,  167. 


166  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

historian,  "  on  several  public  occasions  he  so  suc 
ceeded,  and  had  the  victory,  that  many  praised 
God  for  the  conquest  for  truth."6 

This  procured  their  pastor  much  honor  from 
those  learned  men  and  others  interested.  And  it 
is  intimated  that,  were  it  not  for  giving  offence  to 
the  King  of  England,  they  would  have  shown  him 
and  his  people  other  public  favors.  But  the  con 
troversy  ended  not  here.  Many  and  earnest  were 
the  attempts,  by  private  conference  and  by  au 
thority  of  local  assemblies,  to  reconcile  the  differ 
ences  :  yet  all  to  little  purpose.  The  call  was  for 
a  National  Synod.  And  a  national  synod  was 
finally  assembled — the  far-famed  Synod  of  Dort. 
Delegates  were  invited  to  it  from  all  Protestant 
churches  of  Europe,  the  Lutherans  excepted. 

The  followers  of  Arminius  summoned  to  this 
synod  appeared  as  members.  But,  to  their  disap 
pointment,  full  and  free  discussion  of  the  points  at 
issue  was  not  permitted.  The  majority  assumed 
the  attitude  of  judges,  and,  without  free  discussion, 
passed  sentence  of  condemnation.  And  it  was  a 
condemnation  not  only  of  the  tenets  of  their  differ 
ing  brethren  (of  which,  had  full  discussion  been 
first  allowed,  they  as  an  organized  body  had  a  right 
to  judge),  but  a  sentence  of  condemnation  also 
upon  the  persons  holding  those  tenets:  men  learned, 
conscientious,  sincere  (whether  right  or  wrong), 
men  against  whose  mild  deportment  and  piety  no 
accusation  could  stand. 

6  Bradford,  p.  20,  &c. 


BARNEVELT  EXECUTED,  OTHERS  PERSECUTED.       167 

Under  the  sentence  thus  passed,  the  principal 
favorers  of  the  tenets  of  Arminius  must  suffer. 
At  the  Hague,  within  four  days  of  the  close  of  the 
principal  sessions  of  the  synod,  that  distinguished 
statesman  and  advocate,  the  mild  and  '  guileless 
Barnevelt,  the  very  beau  ideal  of  historical  por 
traiture,  for  integrity  to  his  conscience,  and  to  his 
country,  was  brought  to  the  scaffold  and  beheaded.7 

The  learned  Grotius,  one  of  the  ablest  Christian 
scholars  of  the  day,  and  the  well  known  Hogen- 
beets,  were  also  sentenced  to  imprisonment  for  life. 
Ministers  of  churches,  professors  in  their  universi 
ties,  were  deprived  of  their  places,  and  banished 
the  country,  with  no  time  allowed  even  to  arrange 
their  affairs,  or  take  leave  of  their  families. 

To  this  synod  King  James  had  sent  a  chosen 
delegation ;  another  specimen  of  his  strange  acts, 
showing  how  he  could  "  insult  the  laws  of  God 
and  the  realm"  in  sending  forth  and  enforcing 
upon  the  nation  "  his  Book  of  Sunday  Sports,"  at 
one  time,  and  use  all  his  power  to  put  down  every 
thing  Presbyterian,  as  well  as  to  exterminate 
everything  Puritan  in  the  church  of  the  realm  at 
another  time,  and  yet  almost  at  the  same  period, 
send  a  delegation  to  a  Presbyterian  synod  in 
another  land,  with  instructions  to  sustain  it  in  its 
original  form  and  creed  against  all  innovations. 

The  delegation  itself  would  do  honor  to   any 

7  Beheaded    May,    1619.       See     tures  in  Christian  Observer,  Lon- 
particulars  in  Brandt's  Hist.,  vol.     don,  vol.  xxvii.  pp.  346,  349. 
iii.  301,  303,  and  307,  and  Stric- 


168  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

cause :  Bishops  Carlton  and  Hall,  with  Doctors 
Davenant  and  Ward,  heads  of  colleges  at  Cam 
bridge,  whose  influence  and  mild  counsels  in 
private  were  on  the  side  of  unity  and  peace.8 
Another  proof,  that  personal  and  political  ends, 
not  Christian  principle  or  church  preference,  were 
the  controlling  motives  with  the  King. 

James  could  persecute,  not  for  doctrines,  but  for 
differences  of  opinion  as  to  ceremonies  ;  the  synod  of 
Dort  could  condemn  and  persecute  equally  good 
men,  not  for  ceremonies,  but  for  deviations  in  opinion 
from  the  received  Genevan  points  of  faith.  It  was 
the  remaining  barbarous  custom  of  the  times. 
Toleration  in  these  respects,  even  in  Holland,  was 
yet  unknown. 

It  has  been  more  than  insinuated  that  the  pastor 
of  our  separate  company  took  side  with  the 
persecutors,  and  favored  the  persecuting  acts  of 
the  synod.9  But  of  this  there  is  no  evidence ;  and 
without  evidence  the  supposition  is  altogether 
gratuitous. 

That  Mr.  Robinson  contended  earnestly  for  the 
Genevan  system — conscientiously  believing  it  to 
be  the  truth,  is  matter  of  historic  fact,  as  we 
have  already  seen.  But  that  he,  or  Elder 
Brewster,  had  any  agency  in  or  favored  the  con 
demning  sentence  upon  the  persons  of  the  de 
fenders  of  the  views  of  Arminius,  we  have  reason 

8  See  Bishop   Hall,  as  well  as         9  Mass.    Hist.    Collection,    vol. 
Mr.  Hale  on  the  Synod  of  Dort ;     xxix.  p.  59. 
also  Brandt,  iii.  5,  32,  112,  283,  3. 


VIEWS  OF  PASTOR  AND  ELDER  ;  SOUND  CONCLUSIONS.  169 

to  think  from  the  writings  of  the  one,  and  the 
whole  discreet  and  benevolent  life  of  the  other, 
was  not  the  fact. 

To  say  that  they  held  views  generally  termed 
Calvinistic,  is  to  say  not  only  what  was  the  fact  in 
regard  to  them,  but  also  in  regard  to  the  great 
body  of  the  Church  of  England  from  which  they 
had  separated.  Of  this  latter  fact  every  reader  of 
the  Church  of  England's  history  is  aware,  and  that 
the  views  thus  termed  had  been  there  held  gene 
rally  from  the  beginning  of  the  Reformation  to  the 
time  of  which  we  are  now  speaking.  In  such 
views  this  people  had  doubtless  been  educated 
while  in  that  church.  Doctrinally,  on  this  point, 
there  was  then  little  difference  between  them.10 
This,  however,  in  no  way  necessarily  connected 
them  with  the  extreme  action  of  the  synod. 

Nor  was  the  persecuting  spirit  of  the  synod 
universally  prevalent  in  Holland.  Not  long  before 
had  the  magistrates  of  Leyden,  when  called  upon 
to  coerce  by  force  of  law  those  who  differed  from 
the  majority  on  points  of  religious  faith,  answered: 
"  The  design  of  the  States  undoubtedly  is,  that 
none  should  be  persecuted  on  account  of  their 
religion." 

In  good  sound  terms,  they  answered  further: 
"  We  do  not  find  that  we  have  any  authority  to 
proceed  against,  and  punish  by  law,  those  who 

10  Even  James  declared  this  in    people  in  their  articles,  see  Chap, 
his    Proclamation ;    so    did    this     xxvii.  sea. 


170  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

have  not  behaved  otherwise  than  well  in  their 
civil  and  burgher-like  capacities." 

"  There  are  no  better  means  to  root  out  heresy 
than  temper  and  moderation;  for  we  have  often 
seen  that  certain  books  were  little  minded  at  first, 
but  afterwards,  when  condemned  as  heretical,  they 
came  into  repute  and  credit." 

"Force  will  not  make  Christians,  but  only  fill 
the  world  with  vile  hypocrites  under  the  name  of 
Christians."11 

Such,  we  believe,  from  every  recorded  act  of  his 
life,  to  have  been  the  matured  mind  of  Brewster. 

Discussions,  in  which  he  must  have  been  en 
gaged,  are  one  thing;  disputes  even  are  another 
thing ;  to  persecute  those  who  differ  from  us,  is  still 
more  emphatically  another.  This  latter  is  the 
work  of  the  enemy  of  God  and  man.  History 
gives  the  evidence.  Discussion,  frank,  candid,  free, 
for  the  eliciting  of  truth,  is  the  source  of  good, 
often  of  incalculable  good ;  dispute,  the  source  of 
incalculable  evil. 


11  Brandt,  vol.  i.  384.  the  Elder's  own   hand ;    showing 

"We  have  in  possession  sermons,  him  to  have  entertained  like  tole- 

with  marginal  notices,  of  evident  rant  views.     See  also   the  Seven 

approval,  written,  we   believe,  in  Articles,  Chap,  xxvii. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

But  mightiest  of  the  mighty  means, 
On  which  the  arm  of  progress  leans, 
is  the  press. — DR.  BOWKIXG. 

GOING  back  to  the  time  when  we  left  Elder 
Brewster  instructing  students  of  the  university, 
Danes  and  Germans,  in  the  English  language,  we 
are  to  notice  him  next  engaged  in  another  respon 
sible  undertaking. 

Writers  have  said,  and  it  has  often  served  to 
give  point  to  oratorical  phrase,  that,  in  their  great 
extremity,  the  future  governor,  Bradford,  learned 
the  trade  of  silk-dyeing,  and  Elder  Brewster,  the 
trade  of  printing.1  However  true  the  statement 
may  have  been  in  respect  to  Bradford,  it  was  not 
strictly  true  in  respect  to  the  Elder.  First  is  the 
fact  that  Bradford  was  scarcely  twenty  years  old, 
while  the  Elder  was  now  over  fifty,  probably  fifty- 
five.  But  attention  to  the  language  of  the  histo 
rian  corrects  the  error.  Along  with  his  engage 
ments  in  the  way  of  instruction,  it  is  added,  "  He 
also  had  means  to  set  up  printing  by  the  help  of 
some  friends,  and  so  had  employment  enough,  by 

1  Mather's  Magnalia,  Belknap,  and  others. 


172  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

reason  of  many  books  which  would  not  be  allowed 
to  be  printed  in  England."2 

To  set  up  printing,  by  means  furnished  by  friends, 
and  on  account  of  many  books  that  might  be 
printed,  designates,  in  modern  phrase,  a  publisher, 
including  in  some  cases  the  duties  of  editor.  And 
this  corresponds  with  the  facts ;  though  in  setting 
up  an  establishment  of  this  nature,  some  know 
ledge  of  the  typographic  art  might  probably  have 
been  acquired. 

And  it  is  matter  of  interest  to  know  something 
of  the  works  which  he  published.  Being,  as  might 
be  expected,  of  a  religious  character,  portions  of 
them  had  reference  to  the  main  controversies  of 
the  day;  yet  were  they  for  the  most  part  eminently 
practical.  Some  of  them  were  in  Latin,  others  in 
English,  two  of  them  large  and  expensive  works. 

First,  was  a  Commentary,  in  Latin,  on  the  Pro 
verbs  of  Solomon,  by  Cartwright,  with  a  preface 
by  Polyander,  1513  pages  quarto,  published  by 
him  at  Leyden,  Choralis  Street  (or  place),  A.  D. 
1617.  A  practical  work  much  esteemed  at  the 
time;  a  second  edition  of  which  was  published  in 
Amsterdam,  in  1638.3  (Below  are  the  original 
titles  of  the  Latin  works.) 

2  Bradford,  pp.  412,  413.  clarissimi  viri  Johannis  Poliandri, 

3  "  Commentarii    Succinct!     et  S.  Theologise  Professoris  Leidensis, 
Delueidi  in  Proverbia  Salamonis.  Lugduni  Batavomm.     Apud  Gu- 
Authore  Thoma  Cartwrightio,  S.  S.  lielmum  Brewsterum  in  vico  Cho- 
Theologia    in    Academia    Canta-  rali,   1617,    8vo.,"   pp.    1513.      A 
brigiensi      quondam     Professore.  copy  of  this   work,   and   of  this 
Quibus     adhibata     est     Prsefatio  edition,  was   deposited,  in   1828, 


BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY  THE  ELDER.       173 

2d.  "Confutation  of  the  Eemists'  Transla 
tion,  Glosses,  &c.,  of  the  New  Testament,"  by  Cart- 
wright,  1618,  in  folio.  When  this  large  and  learned 
work  was  published  by  the  Elder,  no  complete 
work  of  the  kind  had  appeared  in  English  to  meet 
the  urgent  demand.  It  was  printed  in  the  beauti 
fully  clear,  fair  type  of  the  Leyden  press  of  that 
period,  resembling  in  this  respect  the  far-famed 
Elgiver  editions  of  the  Classics,  which  have  never 
been  excelled.  On  the  broad  margin  are  pointed 
out  successively  the  portions  of  Scripture  read  for 
the  lessons  on  Sundays  and  other  special  days,  in 
the  Church  of  England  service,  commencing  with 
the  Sundays  in  Advent,  Christmas,  and  thus  pro 
ceeding  in  order  throughout  the  year.4  In  this 

with.  Dr.  Kendall,  Pastor  at  Ply-  blamed  his  jealousy  to  deprive 
moutli,  Mass.  Another  copy  of  the  Church  of  so  learned  pains  of 
the  Amsterdam  edition  of  1638  is  him  whose  judgment  would  so 
in  the  Pilgrim  Hall,  of  the  same  solidly,  and  affections  so  zealous- 
place,  ly,  confute  the  publie  adversary. 
4  The  old  church  historian,  Distasteful  passages  might  be  ex- 
Fuller,  says:  "Now  came  forth  punged,  whilst  it  was  a  pity  so 
the  Remish  (Roman)  translation  good  fruit  should  be  blasted  in 
of  the  New  Testament.  Secretary  the  bud  for  some  bad  leaves. 
Walsingham  solicited  Mr.  Thomas  Thus  disheartened,  Cartwright  de- 
Cartwright  to  undertake  the  re-  sisted  ;  but  afterwards,  encouraged 
futing  of  this  Translation."  To  by  a  noble  lord  and  others,  he  re- 
aid  in  the  matter,  "  he  sent  him  sumed  and  perfected  the  work  as 
an  hundred  pounds  out  of  his  own  far  as  the  15th  chapter  of  the 
purse.  Whitgift,  learning  what  Revelations."  And,  adds  Fuller, 
Cartwright  was  writing,  prohibited  "many  years  lay  this  worthy 
his  further  proceeding  therein,  work  neglected,  and  the  copy 
Many  commended  his  care  not  to  mouse-eaten,  whence  the  printer 
intrust  the  defence  of  the  doctrine  excused  some  defects  in  his  edi- 
of  England  to  a  pen  so  disaffected  tion,  which,  though  late,  came 
to  the  discipline  thereof.  Others  forth  in  the  year  1618 ;  a  book 


174  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

work,  as  well  as  in  the  following  treatises,  the 
publisher's  name  was  omitted. 

3d.  A  smaller  treatise  in  Latin  "  Concerning 
the  true  and  genuine  Religion  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;"  of  which,  the  evidence  is 
clear  that  he  was  the  publisher.5 

4th.  A  treatise  in  both  Latin  and  English, 
called  "  The  People's  Plea  for  the  Exercise  of 
Prophecying,"  by  Mr.  Robinson,  his  pastor.  It 
sets  forth,  as  its  title  suggests,  in  a  moderate  and 
guarded  manner,  yet  fully  and  decidedly  the 
arguments  for  that  exercise,  and  which  this 
people  maintained  while  in  Holland,  and  long 
afterwards.6 

5th.  "  Ames'  Reply  to  Grevinchovius,"  on  the 
Arminian  controversy,  in  Latin.7 

which,  notwithstanding  the  afore-  "  Brewster  doth  avow,"  says  Sir 

said  defects,  is  so  complete  that  Dudley  Carleton.    Letters,  p.  380. 

the   Remists  durst  never  return  A  copy  of  this,  as  well  as  of  other 

the  least  answer  thereto."  works  printed  by  him,  appears  to 

Fuller's   Church    History,   vol.  have  been  in  the  Elder's  library 

iii.    pp.    68-70.      Such   was    the  at  his  decease, 

work  which  Elder   Brewster  res-  6  An  original  copy  of  this  work 

cued   and  published  this  year  at  is  in  the  hands  of  Dr.  Shurtleff, 

Leyden.      A  copy   of   this   same  Boston,  date  1618,  name  of  place 

edition    (1618),    by    the     Elder,  and  publisher  not  given ;  but  the 

without  name,  is  in  the  Pilgrim,  date  and  evidences,  internal  and 

Society  Hall,  Plymouth,  New  Eng-  external,  leave  little  or  no  doubt 

land.     See  also  Strype's  Whitgift,  of  its  being  from  the  Elder's  press, 

pp.  482,  484,  and  Sir  Dudley  Carle-  7  "Arnissii  in  Grevinchovium," 

ton's  Letters,  pp.  380,  390.  by  William    Ames,   at    Leyden. 

5  "  De  vera  et  genua  Jesu  Christi  We  are  not  certain  which  of  two 

Domini  et    Salvatoris   nostri   Re-  kindred    works     of     this     noted 

ligione."    "1618,    Sine     Locum,"  writer   is  here  meant.     But  from 

says  the  Bodleian  Catalogue,  vol.  the  title  and  dates  and  place  of 

iii.  254.     The  publishing  of  this,  publication     mentioned     in     the 


HIS  PUBLICATIONS  OPPOSED  BY  KING  JAMES.       175 

Such  were  the  principal  works  published  by 
Elder  Brewster,  at  Ley  den,  in  the  year  1617  and 
1618.  We  omit  the  notice  of  others,  of  which  we 
have  not  full  evidence.  It  was  a  class  of  works 
which  had  at  the  time  no  small  influence,  nay 
whose  influence  has  been  continued  through 
successive  writers,  and  will  continue  indefinitely, 
as  a  wave  of  the  ocean,  once  raised,  ceases  not 
its  motion,  but  moves  onward,  combining  with 
others,  until  it  shall  reach  earth's  utmost  limits, 
to  end  we  know  not  Avhen  or  where. 

That  more  works  were  not  published  by  him, 
was  owing  to  causes  as  widely  diverse  as  the 
jealousy  of  James,  and  his  arbitrary  efforts  to 
control  the  press  even  in  Holland,  on  the  one 
hand,  and  the  first  germs  of  thought  with  ma 
turing  plans  for  planting  a  new  colony  on  the  far 
off  shores  of  the  New  World,  on  the  other. 

At  the  Hague,  near  to  Leyden,  resided  at  this 
time  Sir  Dudley  Carleton,  ambassador  from 
England.  Discovering  that  books,  not  allowed 
to  be  published  in  England,  were  issued  from  the 
press,  and  circulated  at  Leyden,  and  that  some  of 
them  were  apparently  provided  for  the  English 
market,  he  informed  his  majesty  of  the  fact. 

James,  keenly  alive  to  everything  of  the  kind, 
directed  the  ambassador  to  use  all  influence  to 
have  the  printing  of  such  books  prohibited ;  and 

Bodleian  Catalogue,  we  conclude  Ames,  and  Sir  Dudley  Carleton's 
it  must  have  been  that  of  1617,  or  Letters  in  respect  to  the  writings 
1618.  See  said  Catalogue,  art.  of  Ames. 


176  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER, 

not  only  this,  but  to  have  the  persons  engaged 
therein  sought  for  and  committed  to  prison.  To 
this,  the  then  Prince  of  Orange,  with  some  of  the 
chief  rulers,  unwilling  to  displease  the  King,  and 
as  a  personal  matter,  assented;  though  at  the 
expense  of  their  national  independence.8 

The  character  of  some  of  the  works  published 
by  Brewster,  led  the  ambassador  to  suspect  that 
others,  still  more  obnoxious  to  his  master,  had 
been  published  by  him.  Accordingly  he  reported 
as  such  to  his  court,  among  those  we  have  already 
noticed,  two  others9  on  grounds  of  suspicion.  But 
in  respect  to  neither  of  them  was  there  proof 
presented.  Of  the  one  most  obnoxious,  we  have 
direct  incidental  proof  to  the  contrary.10 

But  William  Brewster  must  be  sought  for ;  his 
publishing  house  closed,  and  he  if  found  committed 
to  prison.  On  the  22d  July  (1619)  the  ambas 
sador  reported:  "  A  William  Brewster,  a  Brownist, 
hath  been  for  some  years  an  inhabitant  and 
printer  at  Leyden,  but  is  now  within  three  weeks 

8  Sir  Dudley  Carleton's  Letters  tise,     "  The     Perth     Assembly," 
to    Secretary  Naunton,   July  22,  Winslow,  who  was  then  present 
and  Sept.  12  and  18,  1619.  and  one  of  the  chief  men  of  the 

9  De  Regimine   Ecclesiae  Scoti-  company,   and  who  would  have 
canse     Brevis     Relatio.     To    this  known  whether  or  no  the   sus- 
treatise    there    was    a    reply  by  picion  had  any  foundation,  states 
Archbishop    Spotiswood.      Of    its  incidentally  that  it  was  published 
publication  by  Brewster,  we  have  by  a  certain  minister  from  Scot- 
said    there   was    only   suspicion,  land.     Winslow's  Brief  Narration, 
Sir  Dudley  does  not  even  speak  in  Young,  p.  395.     Sir  Dudley's 
confidently.  Letters,  July  22,  Sept.  12  and  18, 

10  Of  this  most  offensive  trea-     1619. 


SIR  D.  CARLETON'S  REPORT;  BREWSTER  ABSENT.  177 

removed  from  thence,  and  gone  back  to  dwell  in 
London,  where  he  may  be  found  out  and  exa 
mined."  Again,  August  20th :  "  I  have  made 
good  inquiry  after  William  Brewster,  at  Ley  den, 
and  am  well  assured  that  he  is  not  returned 
thither;  neither  is  it  likely  he  will,  having 
removed  from  thence  both  his  family  and  goods." 

And  again,  September  12:  "In  my  last  I 
advertised  your  honor  that  Brewster  was  taken  at 
Leyden ;  which  proved  an  error,  in  that  the  schout 
who  was  employed  by  the  magistrates  for  his 
apprehension,  being  a  dull  drunken  fellow,  took 
one  man  for  another."11 

Among  the  facts  here  reported,  are  some  par 
ticulars,  which  were  more  than  Sir  Dudley  knew. 
And  well  it  is  that,  even  in  these  apparently  small 
matters,  we  have  other  accurate  history  to  correct 
the  errors.  Elder  Brewster  had  indeed  gone  to 
London;  and  there  had  been,  not  three  weeks 
merely  as  above,  but  for  some  five  months.12  And 
he  was  there,  not  on  account  of  the  ambassador's 
movements  in  respect  to  him,  but  for  other 
purposes  than  Sir  Dudley  appears  to  have  known 
or  suspected. 

But  who  were  the  friends  that  furnished  the 

11  Sir      Dudley's      Letters      to  England)  in  February,  1619,  and 
Secretary  Naunton,  380,386,  389.  returned  late  in  the  same  year,  p. 

12  Bradford,  p.  30 ;  and  in  Young,  59.     His  remark  at  bottom  of  p.. 
pp.  57,   68,   71.     In   a  note,   Dr.  468  differs,  indeed,  from  this,  as- 
Young  says  Cushman  and  Brew-  to  the  Elder's  return,  but  without 
ster  were   sent    (by  the   Leyden  evidence. 

emigrants    as     their     agents     to 
12 


178  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

means  for  this  printing  establishment  I  And  what 
were  the  consequences  to  them  I  The  ambassador's 
letters  give  the  answer  in  respect  to  the  chief  of 
them.  "  Thomas  Brewer  (says  he),  a  professed 
Brownist,13  a  gentleman  of  a  good  house,  both  of 
land  and  living,  a  man  of  means,  and  who  bore 
the  charge,  is  apprehended,  and  being  a  university 
man,  is  made  fast  in  the  university  prison."  "  The 
printing  house,  which  was  not  an  open  shop,  was 
also  searched ;  the  types,  books,  and  papers  were 
seized  and  searched  as  well  as  sealed."  After 
undergoing  inquisitorial  scrutiny,  and  all  without 
criminating  proof,  Brewer  himself  was  "  remanded 
into  England." 

Here,  however,  the  officers  of  the  University 
took  their  stand,  claiming  the  exercise  of  their 
chartered  rights.  And  the  ambassador,  unable 
to  prevail  as  he  wished  on  account  of  the  popular 
opposition,  yielded  to  a  compromise.  Brewer,  in 
prison,  harassed,  importuned,  and  not  knowing- 
how  long  this  might  be  continued,  at  length  con 
sented  to  go  "  of  his  own  accord"  to  England  to 
be  examined  in  the  matter,  and  to  go,  not  as  a 
prisoner,  but  as  a  freeman,  in  charge  of  some  con 
fidential  person,  and  not  to  be  ill  used  in  body  or 
goods,  nor  placed  in  any  common  prison,  but 

'3  Letters,  pp.  389,  393,395,  398,  knew    really    of   the    faith    and 

&c.     We  cannot  but  notice  how  principles    of   these   men,   much 

often,    by    way    of    stigma,    Sir  less  of  their  aims,  and  what  might 

Dudley  uses  the  reproachful  term  be  the  final  results. 
Brownist,  showing  how  little  he 


BREWER — BREWSTER'S  FRIEND — APPREHENDED.    179 

suffered  to  return  in  due  time,  and  not  at  his  own 
charge.14  The  ambassador  concurring,  and  giving 
pledge  accordingly,  and  promising  particular  favor 
if  all  was  done  as  desired,  Brewer  departed  for 
England,  and  was  favorably  received  and  finally 
discharged,  much  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  officers 
of  the  University,  though,  it  would  seem,  not  to 
the  full  content  of  Sir  Dudley.15  Such  was  the 
treatment  of  Brewster's  friend.  Had  Brewster  been 
found  at  Leyden,  the  facts  show  what  treatment 
he  would  have  received  from  the  same  source. 

It  was  only  one  of  the  thousand  attempts  to 
control,  by  arbitrary  force,  the  freedom  of  the 
press.  That  great  principle,  or  axiom,  had  not 
yet  been  conceived,  or,  if  conceived,  had  not  been 
acted  upon,  that  truth,  in  man's  present  state — all 
contested  truth — must  come  into  full,  free,  open, 
unrestricted  conflict  with  error,  and  that  this  con 
flict  must  be  gone  through  in  order  that  truth 
may  be  felt  to  be  truth,  and  that  it  may  not  only 
have,  but  be  seen  to  have,  the  victory.  Any  forced 
checks  upon  such  full,  free,  candid  discussion,  only 
delay  the  victory  of  truth ;  all  arbitrary  restraints 
upon  press  or  speech  but  retard  its  final  triumph. 
Every  historic  instance  proclaims  this  fact. 

The  only  check  which  the  case  justly  admits  is 
as  to  manner  and  temper ;  and  that  check  should 
be  firm  and  effective.  It  is  unlicensed  manner, 

14  Do.,  Letters,  pp.  395,  398. 

15  Do.,  pp.  406,  423,  482,  &c.     lie  went  in  the  care  -of  Sir  William 
Zouch. 


ISO  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

and  uncontrolled  temper,  not  free  discussion,  that 
cause  the  mischief.  Truth  has  nothing  to  fear. 
Is  error  at  times  mighty  I  It  is  might  "  stolen  from 
seeming  truth."  Truth  itself  is  mightier;  par 
taking  of  the  nature,  it  has  also  the  power  and 
pledged  support  of  Him  who  is  almighty. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

The  world  was  all  before  them,  where  to  choose 

Their  place  of  rest,  and  Providence  their  guide. — MILTON". 

WE  have  said  that  Elder  Brewster  was  in  Eng 
land,  and  for  a  very  important  purpose.  It  was  a 
purpose  which,  if  carried  into  successful  execution, 
would  change  his  own  entire  temporal  condition, 
and  that  of  the  people  with  whom  he  was  con 
nected. 

Early  in  the  year  1617,  we  trace  the  beginnings 
of  thought  in  his  own  and  his  pastor's  mind, 
which,  at  length,  grew  into  a  conviction,  that 
Holland  was  not  suited  to  their  habits,  and  could 
not  meet  their  desires,  as  a  permanent  home. 
Nine  years  of  trial  and  experience  had  they 
already  passed  through,  and  eight  of  them  in 
Leyden.  In  this  time,  some  of  their  number  had 
been  removed  by  death,  others  were  becoming  ad 
vanced  in  years.  The  "  twelve  years'  truce"  be 
tween  the  States  and  Spain  would,  before  long, 
come  to  a  close,1  when  the  long  bloody  war  might 
again  be  resumed,  and  they  might  be  involved  in 

1  This  truce  was  signed  April  9th,  1609,  to  end  at  the  close  of  that 
month,  in  1621. 


182  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

its  calamities.  "  Taught  by  experience  (say  they), 
our  prudent  governors  (their  pastor  and  ruling 
elder),  with  some  of  the  sagest  members,  began 
deeply  to  apprehend,  and  wisely  to  foresee,  the 
dangers,  and  to  think  of  a  timely  remedy."2 

In  the  "  agitation  of  thought,  and  after  much 
discourse"  (at  first  in  private  conference),  the  in 
clination  for  removal  became  strong;  "not  (says 
one  of  them)  out  of  any  newfangledness,  or  other 
such  like  giddy  humor,  by  which  men  are  often 
times  transported  to  their  great  hurt  and  danger, 
but  for  sundry  weighty  and  solid  reasons." 

"  First,  the  hardness  of  their  present  place  and 
country,  to  them  so  great,  that  few  would  come  to 
continue  with  them ;  while,  could  a  place  of  better 
and  easier  living  be  found,  such  discouragements 
would  be  removed." 

"  Second,  though  in  general  their  people  bore 
all  difficulties  cheerfully  and  resolutely  in  their 
best  strength,  old  age  was  coming  on  some ;  great 
and  continued  labors  and  trials  were  hastening  it 
before  its  time  on  others."  It  was,  therefore,  ap 
parent  that  in  the  then  state  of  things  there  was 
danger  of  ere  long  being  "  scattered,  or  of  sink 
ing  under  their  burdens." 

"  Third,  over  them  was  the  task-master  Neces 
sity,  forcing  them  to  become  task-masters  not  only 
to  servants,  but,  in  a  measure,  to  their  children, 
wounding  the  heart  of  many  a  father  and  mother, 

2  Bradford,  p.  22,  and  Winslow  in  Young,  pp.  381-2. 


REASONS  FOR  REMOVING  FROM  HOLLAND.        183 

and  producing  sad  consequences.  Children  of  best 
dispositions  and  gracious  inclinations,  who  were 
learning  to  bear  the  yoke  in  their  youth,  and 
willing  to  share  in'  their  parents'  labors,  were  yet, 
at  times,  so  oppressed  with  labor,  that,  though 
with  minds  free  and  willing,  their  bodies  became 
bowed  under  the  weight  and  early  disfigured,  the 
vigor  of  nature  being  exhausted  in  the  very  bud." 
But  what  was  to  them  of  all  sorrows  the  heaviest 
to  be  borne,  "  many  of  their  children,  by  the  sur 
rounding  temptations,  and  the  great  licentiousness 
of  the  youth  of  the  country,  and  their  evil  ex 
ample,  were  drawn  away,  grew  headstrong,  leaving 
their  parents,  some  becoming  soldiers,  others  sail 
ing  on  far-distant  voyages,  others  taking  to  worse 
courses,  to  their  parents'  grief,  their  souls'  danger, 
and  the  dishonor  of  God,  all  foreboding  a  degene 
rate  and  corrupt  posterity."3 

To  these  reasons  were  added  "  their  great  desire 
to  live  under  the  protection  of  England,  and  to 
retain  the  language  and  the  name  of  Englishmen  ;" 
likewise  "  their  inability  here  to  give  their  chil 
dren  such  an  education  as  they  had  themselves  re 
ceived  ;"  also  "  their  grief  at  the  profanation  of  the 
Sabbath  in  Holland."4 


3  Bradford,  pp.  22-24.  "  It   falls  out   in  these  towns  of 

4  Winslow's  Brief  Narrative,  in  Holland   that    Sunday,   which   is 
Young,  pp.  381-2.     Of  the   pro-  elsewhere  the  day  of  rest,  proved 
fanation  of  the  Sabbath,  the  Eng-  always  the  day  of  labor ;  for  they 
lish  divines  took  notice,  and  the  never  knew  yet   how  to  observe 
Assembly,  at  the  Synod  of  Dort.  the  Sabbath." — Letters  to  Secre- 
Even  Sir  Dudley  Carleton reported:  tary  Naunton,  p.  380. 


184  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

But  the  last,  not  least,  of  the  reasons  was  (and 
the  Christian's  heart  warms  at  the  noble  sentiment), 
"  A  great  hope  and  inward  zeal  they  had  of  laying 
some  good  foundation,  or,  at  least,  to  make  some 
way  thereunto,  for  propagating  and  advancing  the 
Gospel  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  in  those  remote 
parts  of  the  world;  yea,  though  they  should  be 
but  stepping-stones  unto  others  for  the  performing 
of  so  great  a  work."5 

Such  were  their  principal  reasons  for  removing 
from  Holland.  The  deep  feeling  and  discussions 
on  the  subject  by  the  pastor  and  elder,  and  other 
chief  members,  had  been  confidentially  and  dis 
creetly  kept  from  the  public  until  some  wise  and 
feasible  course  could  be  resolved  upon.  On  the 
subject  being  made  known  and  generally  discussed, 
many  and  various  were  the  opinions,  many  the 
doubts  and  fears.6  Some,  for  well-weighed  reasons, 
and  with  hopes  of  the  future,  though  distant,  ad- 

5  Bradford,  p.  24.     These  were  Justice  Marshall  was,  at  first,  in 

the   reasons,  as   given  by  them-  his  Life  of  Washington,  led  into 

selves,  for  removing  from  Holland,  error  by  those  writers  ;  but  after 

That  they  were  the  true  reasons  he  had  obtained  the  facts,  as  his 

and   all-sufficient,   can  never   be  impartial  mind  ever  would  do,  he 

doubted  by  any  who  have  exa-  corrected  the  error.     See  his  His- 

mined  the  original  authorities  in  tory  of  the  American  Colonies,  p. 

the  case.     Douglas,  Chalmers,  in  78  ;  also  Dr.  Young's  Summary, 

his  Annals  of  Virginia,  Robertson,  note,  p.  48,  of  his  Chrons.  of  the 

of  Scotland,  and  others,  not  hav-  Pilgrims. 

ing  the  original  sources  of  infor-  6  Ibid.,  p.  25,  and  Winslow,  p. 

mation,   misled    all    who    copied  382. 
their     statements.      Even     Chief 


OBJECTIONS  TO  REMOVAL  CONSIDERED.  185 

vocated  at  once  the  founding  of  a  new  settlement 
by  themselves  in  some  newly  discovered  portion  of 
the  earth,  beyond  the  seas ;  and  they  labored  to 
arouse  and  encourage  others  accordingly. 

Others  raised  objections,  and  sought  to  divert 
attention  from  the  project,  alleging  "  it  was  a 
great  design,  subject  to  inconceivable  dangers,  to 
the  casualties  and  hardships  of  the  sea,  unendura 
ble  by  their  aged  and  feeble  men  and  women,  the 
liability  to  famine,  destitution  and  want,  to  sick 
ness  from  change  of  climate  and  diet  and  only  water 
to  drink.  And  should  all  this  be  overcome,  there 
was  still  the  exposure  to  the  barbarous  and  trea 
cherous  savages,  who,  unreliable  as  friends,  and 
merciless  as  enemies,  were  not  content  to  kill,  but 
must  cruelly  torment,  roast,  and  eat  the  flesh  of 
their  victims,  with  other  practices  too  horrible  to 
be  contemplated." 

It  was  objected  further,  that  for  such  a  voyage 
and  its  bare  necessaries,  larger  sums  would  be  re 
quired  than  the  sale  of  all  their  possessions  could 
procure.  And  yet  supplies  must  also  be  provided 
for  the  future  as  well  as  for  the  present.  Added 
to  these,  were  the  ill  success  and  lamentable  mise 
ries  that  had  lately  befallen  others  on  the  Ame 
rican  coast.  And,  had  they  not  already  been 
taught  a  lesson  of  caution  by  bitter  experience  in 
coming  into  Holland,  the  hardships  here  endured, 
even  in  this  civilized,  enlightened,  and  rich, 
though  stranger  land,  in  securing  a  comfortable 


186  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

living]  "What  then  must  be  the  trials  when  away, 
few  and  solitary,  in  a  far-off  wilderness  V 

To  all  of  which  objections  it  was  answered : 
"  All  great  and  honorable  actions  are  accompanied 
with  great  difficulties,  difficulties  to  be  met  and 
conquered  with  corresponding  courage.  Granting 
the  dangers  to  be  great,  they  were  not  desperate; 
and  the  difficulties  to  be  many,  they  were  not 
invincible ;  many  of  them  probable  only,  not 
certain.  Some  things  feared  might  never  befall 
them ;  others  by  providence,  care,  and  good  use  of 
means,  might  in  a  great  measure  be  prevented ; 
all  of  them  by  fortitude,  patience,  and  divine  help, 
could  be  borne,  or  overcome." 

"True,  such  attempts  were  not  to  be  made  but 
upon  good  grounds  and  urgent  reasons,  not  rashly 
or  lightly,  or  from  curiosity  or  hope  of  gain,  as 
with  many."  Besides,  their  condition  was  not 
ordinary ;  their  ends  were  good  and  honorable ; 
their  calling  lawful  and  urgent;  therefore  they 
might  look  for  God's  blessing  upon  their  under 
taking.  Should  they  lose  their  lives  therein,  yet 
could  they  have  comfort;  their  endeavors  were 
upright.  They  now  lived  here  but  as  men  in 
exile,  in  poor  condition.  The  twelve  years'  truce 
having  nearly  expired,  as  great  miseries  might 
here  befall  them,  amid  the  preparations  for  war, 

7  Sucli  as  the  attempted  settle-     ham  ;  and  other  sad  failures  after 
merit   at   Sagadahock,  under  the     great  sufferings  and  losses, 
patronage   of  Chief  Justice   Pop- 


INQUIRY  TO  WHAT  COUNTRY  THEY  SHOULD  GO.     187 

and  its  always  uncertain  events ;  while  the 
Spaniard  might  prove  as  cruel  as  the  savages  of 
America ;  and  the  famine  and  pestilence  as  sore 
here  with  less  liberty  in  providing  a  remedy. 

Such,  and  other  like  things  being  alleged  and 
answered,  the  "major  part  determined  to  put  the 
design  into  execution ;  and  by  the  best  means  in 
their  power." 

But  to  what  country  should  they  go'?  First, 
every  movement  in  the  matter  was  begun  and  j 
ended  in  prayer.  Too  deep  were  the  interests 
involved,  and  the  consequences  were  too  lasting, 
for  Christians  to  do  otherwise.  Next  by  mutually 
and  openly  conferring  together,  and  casting  their 
thoughts  abroad  over  the  world,  they  examined 
the  advantages  and  disadvantages  of  the  many 
places  suggested. 

Some,  and  they  not  the  meanest  of  the 
company,  were  earnest  for  Guiana,  a  country 
lately  discovered  or  explored  by  Sir  Walter 
Raleigh,  and  by  him  described  in  glowing  colors, 
as  a  country  most  to  be  desired,  lying  between  the 
Amazon  and  the  Orinoco,  in  South  America.  Its 
rich  plains  with  finest  grass,  its  goodly  groves,  its 
beautiful  hills  and  vales,  and  flowing  streams,  its 
flocks  of  gentle  deer,  the  sweet  music  of  its  birds 
issuing  from  every  tree,  its  gentle  eastern  gales, 
its  very  stones  rich  with  the  promise  of  mineral 
stores — all  constituted  "  a  region  which  (says  Sir 
Walter)  I  am  resolved  cannot  be  equalled,  for 
health,  air,  riches,  pleasure,  by  any  region  either 


188  LIFE  AXD  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

east  or  west."8  It  was  the  very  El  Dorado  of  the 
Spaniards ;  and  here  had  the  English,  as  well  as 
the  Dutch,  their  claims. 

Others  of  the  company  were  in  favor  of  some 
part  of  Virginia,  where  English  settlements  had 
already  been  commenced.9 

Respecting  Guiana  it  was  answered,  that 
though  the  country  was  unquestionably  fruitful 
and  pleasant,  and  might  more  easily  than  any 
other  yield  maintenance  and  riches,  yet  the  heats 
of  a  tropical  climate,  and  exposures  to  diseases 
there  prevalent,  were  ill  suited  to  English  con 
stitutions.  And  even  were  they  there,  and  well 
established,  the  jealous  Spaniard  would  not  suffer 
them  to  remain  long  in  peace,  and  might  destroy 
them  in  their  weak  estate,  as  he  had  the  French 
in  Florida.10 


8  Bradford,    p.     27 ;     Raleigh's  Western    District.      It    was     ob- 
Works,  vol.  viii.  Guiana.  served  by  a  distinguished  officer 

9  The    first    permanent    settle-  of  the  American  army :  "  I  think 
ment  at  Jamestown,  was  in  1607,  we  owe  no   great  thanks  to  our 
about  the  time  of  the  removal  of  forefathers,    for    settling    in    the 
our  Leyden  Company  from  Eng-  cold  bleak   region,    and    on    the 
land  to  Holland.  hard  soil  of  the  North  ;  when  they 

10  Bradford,   p.   28.     The  mas-  could  have  chosen  for  themselves 
sacre  was  that  of  French  Hugue-  the  rich  soil,  the  easy  living,  the 
riots  in  E.  Florida,  in  1650.   On  the  choice    fruits,    and    the     greater 
choice   and    comparative    advan-  wealth  of  the  Tropical  climates." 
tages  of  a  Northern  or  a  Southern  It  was  answered  by  way  of  in- 
and   Tropical  location,  '  the   dis-  quiry  :  "  In  what  consists  the  best 
cussion   of  which    we  have   just  good,  truest  eminence — the  high- 
noticed,'  the  author  remembers  a  est   glory  of  a  people  ?      Is  it  in 
spirited     debate,     at    a     compli-  the  ease,  the  pleasure,  the  luxury, 
mentary  dinner  in  Florida  at  the  the  rapidly  acquired  wealth,  just 
residence    of    the    Judge   of    the  mentioned  ?     These    are    usually 


APPLICATION  TO  THE  VIRGINIA  COMPANY.       189 

Respecting  Virginia,  the  answer  was*  that  the 
Church  of  England  was  there  'exclusively  estab 
lished,  and  there  they  might  be  in  danger  of 
troubles  or  persecutions,  with  less  opportunity  of 
defence  than  in  England  itself.  Thus  there  were 
objections  and  difficulties  on  every  side. 

But  at  length  they  arrived  at  this  conclusion — 
To  apply  to  the  Virginia  Company,  of  London, 
for  a  grant  to  plant  themselves  separately  under 
it's  general  government,  and  petition  his  majesty 
for  a  grant  of  liberty  or  "  freedom  of  religion." 
To  this  course  were  they  encouraged  by  prospects 
of  favor  and  aid  from  persons  high  in  rank  and 
influence,  among  whom  were  Sir  Edwin  Sandys, 
Elder  Brewster's  faithful  and  highly  esteemed 
friend,  and  Sir  Robert  Naunton,  the  principal 
Secretary  of  State.11 

Accordingly,  in  the  autumn  of  1617,  were  two 
messengers  sent  to  London,  to  make  application 
to  the  Virginia  Company.  These  found  the  Vir 
ginia  Company  desirous  to  arrange  with  them, 

followed  by  enervation  of  mind  not    under    such    circumstances, 

and    body,     as     experience     has  that  true   patriotism,  the  higher 

proved.     Is  it  not  rather  in  the  virtues,    and    the    spirit    of    the 

fruits  and  rewards  of  industrious  Christian  religion  are  more  fully 

— if    you   please,   of  necessitous  developed?"    "It  may  be  so,"  was 

exertions  ?    exertion   calling  into  the  answer. 

vigorous  exercise  every  faculty  of  '*  Bradford,  29,  and  notes, 
mind  and  body ;  taxing  the  Other  names  may  be  added,  as 
energies  in  all  the  ways  of  cul-  Sir  John  Wolstonholme,  Sir  Fulke 
ture,  of  invention,  of  scientific  Greville,  the  chancellor,  after- 
discoveries  ;  resulting  in  the  wards  Lord  Brooke, 
noblest  productions  of  each  ?  Is  it 


190  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

and  willing  to  grant  a  patent  with  as  ample  privi 
leges,  and  to  further  their  enterprise  as  far,  as  was 
in  their  power.  Some  chief  men  of  the  company 
believed  their  suit  to  his  majesty  for  liberty  in 
religion,  confirmed  by  the  King's  broad  seal,  could 
also  be  obtained.  This  latter  application,  how 
ever,  though  supported  by  the  Secretary  of  State 
and  others,  of  high  influence  with  the  King  and 
the  archbishop,  failed  of  success,  though  they 
prevailed  so  far  as  to  be  assured  "  that  his  majesty 
would  connive  at  them,  and  not  molest  them,  pro 
vided  they  carried  themselves  peaceably."12 

This  being  all  that  they  could  then  obtain,  the 
agents  returned  to  Leyden,  and  reported  the  whole 
state  of  the  matter,  with  their  difficulties,  and  the 
efforts  of  their  worthy  friends  in  their  behalf;  also 
the  advice  of  those  friends  to  go  forward  in  their 
enterprise. 

It  wras  the  month  of  November;  and  on  the 
messengers'  return  to  Leyden,  Sir  Edwin  Sandys 
sent,  and  probably  by  them  to  their  pastor,  and 

12  Bradford,  p.  29.  Winslow  the  enlargement  of  the  Gospel  by 
relates  that  when  Sir  Robert  all  due  means  ;  "his  majesty  said, 
Naunton  was  urging  with  James  this  was  a  good  and  honest  motion, 
the  request  of  the  Leyden  Com-  and  asked  what  profits  might 
pany,  "to  live  under  his  govern-  arise  therefrom  in  the  region  in- 
ment  and  protection,  and  to  enjoy  tended."  To  which  it  was  answer- 
liberty  of  conscience  in  America,,"  ed — fishing.  To  which  he  replied, 
adding  that  "  they  could  not  live  with  his  usual  asseveration,  "  So 
so  comfortably  under  any  other  God  have  my  soul,  'tis  an  honest 
government,"  and  that  their  en-  trade;  'twas  the  apostle's  own 
deavor  would  be  the  advancement  calling." — Winslow,  in  Young,  pp. 
of  his  majesty's  dominions,  and  382,  383, 


SIR  E.  SANDYS'  LETTER.  191 

the  Elder,  the  following  truly  Christian  and 
encouraging  letter;  expressive  of  his  warm  con 
tinued  friendship  for  Brewster  with  his  pastor,  and 
of  his  deep  interest  and  readiness  to  aid  in 
their  proposed  undertaking.  The  letter  with  the 
annexed  answer,  throws  much  light  upon  this 
important  period  of  Brewster's  and  this  people's 
history. 

TO  MR.  JOHN  ROBINSON  AND  MR.  WILLIAM  BREWSTER. 

AFTER  MY  HEARTY  SALUTATIONS, 

The  agents  of  your  congregation,  Robert 
Cushman,  and  John  Carver,  have  been  in  com 
munication  with  divers  select  gentlemen  of  his 
majesty's  council  for  Virginia ;  and  by  the  writing 
of  seven  articles,13  subscribed  with  your  names, 
have  given  them  that  good  degree  of  satisfaction, 
which  hath  carried  them  on  with  a  resolution  to 
set  forward  your  desire  in  the  best  sort  that  may 
be  for  your  own  and  the  public  good ;  divers  par 
ticulars  whereof  we  leave  to  their  faithful  report, 
having  carried  themselves  here  with  that  good 
discretion  as  is  both  to  their  own,  and  their  credit 
from  whom  they  came.  And  whereas,  being  to 
treat  for  a  multitude  of  people,  they  have  re 
quested  further  time  to  confer  with  them  that  are 
to  be  interested  in  this  action,  about  the  several 
particulars,  which  in  the  prosecution  thereof,  will 

13  See  these  seven  articles,  Chap,  xxvii.  They  were  lately  recovered 
from  oblivion  by  Mr.  Bancroft,  from  the  state  paper  office,  England. 


192  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

fall  out  considerable,  it  hath  been  very  willingly 
assented  unto ;  and  so  they  do  now  return  unto 
you.  If  therefore  it  may  please  God  so  to  direct 
your  desires,  as  that  on  your  parts  there  fall  out 
no  just  impediments,  I  trust  by  the  same  direction 
it  shall  likewise  appear  that  on  our  parts  all 
forwardness  to  set  you  forward — shall  be  found  in 
the  best  sort  which  with  reason  may  be  expected. 
And  so  I  betake  you  with  this  design  (which  I 
hope  verily  is  the  work  of  God)  to  the  gracious 
protection  and  blessing  of  the  Highest. 
Your  loving  friend, 

EDWIN  SANDYS. 

LONDON,  Nov.  12th,  16 IT. 


TO  SIR  EDWIN,  THE  PASTOR  AND  ELDER  RETURNED  THE 
FOLLOWING  ANSWER. 

RIGHT  WORSHIPFUL, 

Our  humble  duties  remembered,  in  our  own, 
our  messengers,  and  our  church's  name,  with  all 
thankful  acknowledgment  of  your  singular  love, 
expressing  itself  as  otherwise,  so  more  especially 
in  your  great  care  and  earnest  endeavor  of  our 
good  in  this  weighty  business  about  Virginia; 
which  the  less  able  we  are  to  requite,  we  shall 
think  ourselves  the  more  bound  to  commend  in 
our  prayers  unto  God  for  recompense;  whom  as 
for  the  present  you  rightly  behold  in  our  endeavors, 
so  shall  we  not  be  wanting  on  our  parts  (the  same 
God  assisting  us)  to  return  all  answerable  fruit 


LETTER  TO  SIR  EDWIN  SANDYS.  193 

and  respect  unto  the  labor  of  your  love  bestowed 
upon  us. 

We  have,  with  the  best  speed  and  consideration 
withal  that  we  could,  set  down  our  requests  in 
writing,  subscribed,  as  you  willed,  with  the  hands 
of  the  greatest  part  of  our  congregation ;  and  have 
sent  the  same  unto  the  Council  by  our  agent,  a 
deacon  of  our  church,  John  Carver;  unto  whom 
we  have  also  requested  a  gentleman  of  our  company 
to  adjoin  himself;  to  the  care  and  discretion  of 
which  two  we  do  refer  the  prosecuting  of  the  busi 
ness.  Now,  we  persuade  ourselves,  right  worship 
ful,  that  we  need  not  to  provoke  your  godly  and 
loving  mind  to  any  further  or  more  tender  care  of 
us ;  since  you  have  pleased  so  far  to  interest  us  in 
yourself,  that,  under  God,  above  all  persons  and 
things  in  the  world,  we  rely  upon  you,  expecting 
the  care  of  your  love,  the  counsel  of  your  wisdom, 
and  the  help  and  countenance  of  your  authority. 

Notwithstanding,  for  your  encouragement  in  the 
work  so  far  as  probabilities  may  lead,  we  will  not 
forbear  to  mention  these  instances  of  induce 
ment  : — 

1st.  We  verily  believe  and  trust  the  Lord  is 
with  us ;  unto  whom  and  whose  service  we  have 
given  ourselves  in  many  trials,  and  that  he  will 
graciously  prosper  our  endeavors  according  to  the 
simplicity  of  our  hearts  therein. 

2d.  We  are  well  weaned  from  the  delicate  milk 
of  our  mother  country,  and  inured  to  the  difficulties 

13 


194  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

of  a  strange  and  hard  land,  which  yet,  in  great 
part,  we  have  by  patience  overcome. 

3d.  The  people  are,  for  the  body  of  them,  in 
dustrious  and  frugal,  we  think  we  may  safely  say, 
as  any  company  of  people  in  the  world. 

4th.  We. are  knit  together  as  a  body  in  a  more 
strict  and  sacred  bond  and  covenant  of  the  Lord, 
of  the  violation  whereof  we  make  great  conscience, 
and  by  virtue  whereof  we  do  hold  ourselves  strictly 
tied  to  all  care  of  each  other's  good,  and  of  the 
whole,  by  every  one,  and  so  mutually. 

5th,  and  lastly.  It  is  not  with  us  as  with  other 
men,  whom  small  things  can  discourage,  or  small 
discontentments  cause  to  wish  themselves  at  home 
again.  We  know  our  entertainment  in  England 
and  Holland. 

We  shall  much  prejudice  both  our  arts  and 
means  by  removal ;  if  we  should  be  driven  to  re 
turn,  we  should  not  hope  to  recover  our  present 
helps  and  comforts,  neither  indeed  look  ever  to 
attain  the  like  in  any  other  place  during  our  lives, 
which  are  now  drawing  towards  their  periods. 

These  motives  we  have  been  bold  to  tender  unto 
you,  which  you  in  your  wisdom  may  also  impart 
to  any  other  our  worshipful  friends  of  the  Council 
with  you,  of  all  whose  godly  disposition  and  loving 
towards  our  despised  persons,  we  are  most  glad, 
and  shall  not  fail  by  all  good  means  to  continue 
and  increase  the  same. 

We  shall  not  be  further  troublesome,  but  do, 
with  the  renewed  remembrance  of  our  humble 


FINAL  MOTIVES  TO  REMOVAL.  195 

duties  to  your  worship,  and  (so  far  as  in  modesty 
we  may  be  bold)  to  any  other  of  our  well-willers 
of  the  Council  with  you,  we  take  our  leaves,  com 
mitting  your  persons  and  counsels  to  the  guidance 
and  protection  of  the  Almighty. 

Your  much  bounden  in  all  duty. 

JOHN  ROBINSON. 

WILLIAM  BREWSTER. 

LEYDEN,  the  15th  of  December,  1617. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

Men  judge  actions  always  by  events  : 

But  when  we  manage  by  a  just  foresight, 

Success  is  prudence,  and  possession  right. — HIGGOXS. 

THE  letter  of  Sir  Edwin  Sandys  to  the  pastor 
and  elder  at  Leyden  having  been  answered,  the 
bearers  of  that  answer  to  London  were  empowered 
to  use  all  suitable  means  to  procure  the  desired 
charter,  with  denned  religious  privileges.1 

But  the  affairs  of  the  Virginia  Company  in 
London  were  becoming  daily  more  and  more  com 
plicated,  and  the  conflicting  movements  of  its 
honorable  Council  involved  in  discouraging  diffi 
culties.2 

At  the  same  time,  his  majesty's  Privy  Council 
commenced  action  on  the  subject  of  the  Leyden 
people.  Certain  of  its  honorable  members,  who 
had  received  some  unfavorable  impressions  respect 
ing  them,  "desired  of  them  further  explanations," 
especially  on  three  particular  points. 

Mr.  llobinson  and  Brewster,  "grieved  that  such 

1  Bradford,  31,  36.     Those  who  bore  this  answer  constituted  the  2d 
agency. 

*  Ibid.,  36,  37. 


ROBINSON  AND  BREWSTER?S  LETTER.  197 

unjust  insinuations  had  been  made  against  them," 
yet  "glad  of  the  opportunity  of  clearing  themselves 
in  the  matter,"  immediately  furnished  a  statement 
of  their  principles  and  views  as  desired. 

Their  statement  was  in  two  forms  or  "  declara 
tions,"  accompanied  by  the  following  letter,  ad 
dressed  to  Sir  John  Wolstenholme,  a  friend  of  their 
proposed  enterprise,  and  one  of  the  principal  mem 
bers  of  the  Virginia  Council : — 

RIGHT  WORSHIPFUL: 

With  due  acknowledgments  of  our  thankful 
ness  for  your  singular  care  and  pains  in  the 
business  of  Virginia,  for  our,  and  we  hope  the 
common  good,  we  do  remember  our  humble  duties 
unto  you,  and  have  sent,  as  is  desired,  a  further 
explanation  of  our  judgments  in  the  three  points 
specified  by  some  of  his  majesty's  honorable  Privy 
Council.  And  although  it  be  grievous  unto  us 
that  such  unjust  insinuations  are  made  against  us, 
yet  we  are  most  glad  of  the  occasion  of  making 
our  just  purgation  unto  the  so  honorable  person 
ages.  The  declarations  we  have  sent  inclosed; 
the  one  more  brief  and  general,  which  we  think 
the  fitter  to  be  presented,  the  other  something  more 
large,  and  in  which  we  express  some  small  acci 
dental  differences,  which,  if  it  seem  good  unto  you 
and  other  of  our  worshipful  friends,  you  may  send 
instead  of  the  former.  Our  prayer  unto  God  is 
that  your  worship  may  see  the  fruit  of  your  worthy 
endeavors,  which  on  our  parts  we  shall  not  fail  to 


198  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETVSTER. 

further  by  all  good  means  in  us.  And  so  praying 
that  you  would  please,  with  the  convenientest  speed 
that  may  be,  to  give  us  knowledge  of  the  success 
of  the  business  with  his  majesty's  Privy  Council, 
and  accordingly  what  your  further  pleasure  is, 
either  for  our  direction  or  furtherance  in  the  same, 
so  we  rest. 

Your  worships  in  all  duty, 

JOHN  ROBINSON. 
WILLIAM  BREWSTER.3 

LEYDEN,  Jan.  21. 

Ano.  1617,  Old  Style.4 

THE  FIRST  BRIEF  STATEMENT. 

Touching  the  ecclesiastical  ministry,  namely,  of 
pastors  for  teaching,  elders  for  ruling,  and  deacons 
for  distributing  the  church's  contribution,  as  also 
for  the  two  Sacraments,  baptism,  and  the  Lord's 
Supper,  we  do  wholly  and  in  all  points  agree  with 
the  French  Reformed  Churches,  according  to  their 
public  confession  of  faith. 

The  oath  of  supremacy  we  shall  willingly  take 
if  it  be  required  of  us,  and  that  convenient  satis 
faction  be  not  given  by  our  taking  the  oath  of 


allegiance.5 


JOHN  ROBINSON. 
WILLIAM  BREWSTER. 


3  Bradford's  History,  33,  34.  these  oaths  ;    Constitutional  His- 

4  1618,  New  Style.  tory,  p.  73,  note,  Harper's  ed. 
6  See    p.    34,   and   Hallam,   on 


PRINCIPLES  AND  PRACTICES  OF  THIS  PEOPLE.    199 

THE  SECOND  WAS  AS  FOLLOWS  :— 

Touching  the  ecclesiastical  ministry,  £c.,  as  in 
the  former,  we  agree  in  all  things  with  the  French 
Reformed  Churches,  according  to  their  public  con 
fession  of  faith ;  though  some  small  differences  be 
to  be  found  in  our  practices,  not  at  all  in  the  sub 
stance  of  the  things,  but  only  in  some  accidental 
circumstances. 

1.  As  first,  their  ministers  do  pray  with  their 
heads  covered,  ours  uncovered. 

2.  We  choose  none  for  Governing  Elders  but 
such  as  are  able  to  teach ;  which  ability  they  do 
not  require. 

3.  Their  elders  and  deacons  are  annual,  or,  at 
most,  for  two  or  three  years ;   ours  perpetual. 

4.  Our  elders  do  administer  their  office  in  ad 
monitions  and  excommunications  for  public  scan 
dals  publicly  and  before  the  congregation ;  theirs 
more  privately,  and  in  their  consistories. 

5.  We    do    administer   baptism    only   to    such 
infants  as  whereof  the  one  parent,  at  the  least,  is  of 
some  church,  which  some  of  their  churches  do  not 
observe,  though  in  it  our  practice  accords  with 
their  public  confession,  and  the  judgment  of  the 
most  learned  amongst  them.     Other  differences, 
worthy  mentioning,  we  know  none  in  these  points. 

Then  about  the  oath,  as  in  the  former. 
(Subscribed)  JOHN  R(OJBINSON.) 

W(ILLIAM)  B(REWSTER.)8 

6  Bradford,  34,  35. 


200  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

On  the  reception  of  these  communications  in 
England,  and  while  the  agents  and  friends  of  the 
Leyden  people  were  taking  every  opportunity  to 
forward  their  application,  untoward  occurrences  in 
the  Virginia  Council  baffled  all  their  efforts.  "  So 
disturbed  had  the  company  and  council  become  by 
factions  and  dissensions  among  themselves"  that 
nothing  else  could  receive  attention.  In  this  state 
of  things,  long  and  sadly  were  the  hopes  of  this 
people  delayed.  Messengers  passed  and  repassed 
for  furthering  their  purpose,  but  all  to  little  effect. 
To  their  great  discouragement,  affairs  were  at  a 
stand.7 

In  the  mean  time,  Sir  Edwin  Sandys  was  "  chosen 
treasurer  and  governor"  of  the  company.8 

Amidst  these   srreat   discouragements,  and  the 

O  o  ' 

sad  contests  in  the  Virginia  Company,  the  Leyden 
people  delegated  their  ruling  elder  to  unite  with 

7  The  occasion  of  this  great  of  his  honors,  became  angry,  and 
trouble  in  the  Virginia  Company,  raised  a  faction  to  contest  the 
(says  Cushman,  one  of  the  Leyden  election.  In  the  heat  of  this  con- 
agents),  was  this:  "Sir  Thomas  test  they  were  neither  ready  nor 
Smith,  who  had  all  along  been  fit  to  engage  in  business."  "What 
the  governor  and  treasurer  of  the  will  be  the  issue,"  adds  Cushman, 
company,  and  held,  at  the  time,  "  is  yet  uncertain.  It  is  most 
other  high  offices,  repining  under  likely  Sir  Edwin  will  carry  the 
his  burthens  and  troubles,  and  day ;  and  if  so,  things  will  go 
wishing  the  company  to  ease  him  well  in  Virginia  ;  otherwise,  they 
of  this  office,  the  company  took  will  go  ill  enough."  Letter  in 
the  occasion  to  choose  Sir  Edwin  Bradford,  p.  37 ;  note  in  Young, 
Sandys  in  his  stead.  The  votes  68,  G9.  Chalmers'  Annals  of  Vir- 
were,  for  Sir  Edwin,  60,  for  Sir  ginia. 

John  Wolstenholme,  16,  Alderman  8  Sir  Edwin  was  elected  April 

Johnston,  24.     Sir  Thomas,  find-  28,  1619. 
ing  that  he  had  lost  some  portion 


ELDER  RREWSTER  SENT  TO  NEGOTIATE.  201 

Mr.  Cushman  in  their  pending,  and  now  to  them 
most  important  negotiation.  Hence  the  cause  of 
his  absence  from  Leyden,  when  Sir  Dndley  Carle- 
ton  sought  for  him,  and  his  continued  absence 
from  February  until  late  in  the  autumn  of  1619, 
perhaps  longer.9 

In  his  abilities,  discretion,  and  integrity,  they 
had  the  fullest  confidence.  In  experience  in  pub 
lic  life,  and  in  knowledge  of  men  and  things,  he 
had  among  them  no  equal.  While  the  mutual 
friendship  between  the  Elder  and  Sir  Edwin,  and 
the  deep  interest  of  the  latter  in  the  success  of 
their  contemplated  purpose,  rendered  this  appoint 
ment  most  opportune. 

During  this  summer,  then,  and  amidst  the  con 
tinued  conflicts  and  delays  mentioned,  the  Elder 
Was  in  London  with  his  powerful  friends  and  the 
other  agent,  furthering  their  application  for  a 
patent,  and  awaiting  the  issue.  While  there,  he 
appears  to  have  written  letters  full  and  explicit, 
respecting  the  whole  matter.  Our  knowledge  of 
them  now,  however,  comes  from  the  communication 
of  the  other  messenger.  "  I  doubt  not  but  Mr. 
Brewster  hath  written  to  Mr.  Robinson.  But  I 
think  myself  bound  also  to  do  something,  lest  I  be 
thought  to  neglect  you."  Again,  "  Mr.  Brewster 
is  not  well  at  this  time ;  whether  he  will  come 
back  to  you,  or  go  into  the  north^  I  yet  know  not." 
Finally,  "  Having  summarily  pointed  at  things 

9  See  Bradford,  pp.  30,  36,  38,  43,  Notes.    Young's  Notes,  pp.  57,  59. 


202 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


which  Mr.  Brews ter  (I  think)  hath  more  largely 
written  of  to  Mr.  Robinson,  I  leave  you  to  the 
Lord's  protection."  "  London,  May  8,  Ano.  1619.10 

At  length,  they  succeeded  in  obtaining  the  long 
desired  patent.  It  was  granted  under  the  seal  of 
the  Old  Virginia  Company  of  London,  "not  in 
any  of  their  own  names,  but,  by  the  advice  of  some 
friends,  in  the  name  of  Mr.  John  Wincob  (a  gen 
tleman  in  the  service  of  the  Countess  of  Lincoln), 
who  intended  to  go  with  them."11 

On  obtaining  the  patent,  with  the  previous  as 
surance  of  the  King's  connivance  as  to  religious 
liberty,  the  Elder  and  his  associate  appear  to  have 
returned  very  soon  to  Leyden.12  Along  with  the 


10  Cushman's  Letter  in  Bradford, 
pp.  36-38. 

11  "But  he  never  went."    (Brad 
ford,  p.  41.)     This  countess  was  a 
lady  eminent  for  piety  and  intelli 
gence,  and  a  friend  to  the  cause. 
Two  of  her  daughters,  Susan  and 
Arabella,  married  two  of  the  sub 
sequent  principal  colonists  of  Mas 
sachusetts.    Lady  Arabella  died  in 
1630,  about  six  weeks    after   her 
arrival,  deeply  lamented.     A  sup 
posed  reason  why  the  patent  was 
not   taken   in    the    name  of  the 
Leyden  people  is,  that  they  were 
not  now  within  the  English  realm. 
This  patent,  in  the  end,  after  the 
emigrants  failed  to  reach  their  in 
tended  location  in  North  Virginia, 
near  the   mouth  of  the   Hudson 
River,  ceased  to  be  of  any  further 
use.     Young's  Notes,  pp.  74,  75. 


12  Winslow  says  expressly :  "  Our 
agents  returning,  we  sought  the 
Lord  by  a  public  and  solemn  fast ;  ' 
these  agents  were  now  Brewster 
and  Cushman,  as  just  mentioned. 
In  Bradford,  the  same  is  imme 
diately  afterwards  implied.  On 
deciding  who  were  to  remove,  and 
who  were  to  remain,  "  the  greater 
number  required  the  pastor  to 
stay."  "The  other  desired  the 
Elder,  Mr.  Brewster,  to  go  with 
them,  which  was  also  condescend 
ed  unto."  Again,  says  Winslow, 
"  The  minor  part,  with  Mr.  Brew 
ster,  resolved  to  enter  upon  this 
great  work."  (In  Young,  p.  384.) 
Dr.  Young  concludes  (note  on 
page  59)  :  "  Cushman  and  Brew 
ster — sent  in  Feb.,  1619 — returned 
late  in  the  same  year,"  and  he 
admitted  to  the  author,  that  Wier 


BREWSTER  RETURNED;  WHO  TO  REMOTE  FIRST.       203 

patent,  came  propositions  from  such  merchants 
and  friends  in  London,  as  would  either  go  them 
selves,  or  adventure  with  them,  and  on  whom  they 
might  depend  for  means  and  shipping.  At  the 
same  time,  the  people  were  requested  to  prepare 
for  their  departure  with  all  speed. 

On  receipt  of  these,  a  solemn  assembly  was 
called,  for  the  purpose  of  humbly  seeking  God's 
gracious  guidance.  No  important  step  would  they 
take  in  the  matter  without  thus  publicly  asking 
Divine  direction.  Their  pastor  addressed  them  in 
a  manner  suited  to  their  condition,  bringing  before 
them  considerations  calculated  to  strengthen  them 
against  their  fears,  and  to  encourage  them  in  their 
resolutions. 

The  question  was  next  taken,  who  should  go 
first,  and  who  should  remain ;  those  to  go  to  offer 
themselves  freely.  It  being  the  minor  part  that 
offered  themselves,  as  they  only  could  at  first  be 
ready,  they  desired  their  ruling  elder,  Brewster, 
to  go  with  them  officially,  as  their  spiritual  guide ; 
to  which  assent  was  given,  he  having  himself  re 
solved,  with  them,  to  enter  upon  this  great  work.13 
It  was  also  covenanted  that  the  minor  part,  on 
going,  should  be  an  absolute  church  of  themselves,^} 
as  well  as  those  who  remained,  the  difference  in 
number  not  being  great ;  also,  that  if  any  of  those 

was  right  in  his  representation  of  statements  combined  ;    see  p.   42 

the  Elder  in  his  admirable   em-  of    Bradford,    and     Winslow     in 

barkation  scene.  Young,  p.  384,  quoted  preceding 

13  Bradford       and       Winslow's  note  12. 


204  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

remaining  should  come  to  them,  or  if  any  of  them 
selves  should  return,  "  they  should  be  reputed  as 
members"  still  with  either.  And  the  promise  of 
those  remaining  to  those  going  was,  "  The  Lord 
giving  them  life,  means,  and  opportunity,  they 
would  come  also  as  soon  as  they  could."14 

About  this  period,  certain  merchants  and  others, 
in  Holland,  "  made  them  large  offers  to  induce 
them  to  go  into  Zealand,"  "  or  to  go  under  them 
to  Hudson's  River,"  whither  they  would  freely 
transport  them,  and  furnish  every  family  with 
cattle  and  other  conveniences.15 

But  an  agent  arriving  from  London  at  this  time, 
a  Mr.  Weston,  in  behalf  of  himself  and  certain 
merchant  adventurers,  persuaded  them,  after  much 
intercourse,  to  set  aside  all  other  proposals,  as  he, 
and  those  adventurers  and  friends,  would  provide 
the  shipping,  money,  and  whatever  was  needful, 
for  their  removal.  Accordingly,  at  his  suggestion, 
articles  of  agreement  were  drawn  up  for  the  pur 
pose,  and  approved  by  both  parties,  and  a  messen 
ger  was  dispatched  with  them  to  London,  with 
instructions  to  receive  the  money,  arrange  for 
shipping,  and  all  else  for  the  voyage.  Those  who 

14  Bradford,  42 ;  Winslow  adds,  endeavor   to    help   over   such   as 

"  If  the  Lord  frown  upon  our  pro-  were  poor  and  ancient  and  willing 

ceedings,   then    those   that  went  to  come."     In  Young,  383. 

were  to  return,  and  the  brethren  l5  Bradford,    pp.    42,    43,    and 

that  remained  were  to  assist  and  note  ;   also    48,   and   particularly 

be  helpful  to  them ;  but  if  God  Winslow    in     Young,    385,     and 

should  be  pleased  to  favor  them  Broadhead's  History  of  New  York, 

that  went,  then  they  also  should  123,  £c. 


AGREEMENT  WITH  MERCHANT  ADVENTURERS.   205 

were  to  go  prepared  with  all  speed,  selling  their 
estates,  and  putting  their  money  into  a  common 
stock,  under  the  direction  of  appointed  managers. 
Stringent,  indeed,  were  the  conditions  of  the  agree 
ment  finally  required  by  the  London  agent ;  yet 
harder  were  two  modifications  afterwards  admitted 
by  their  own  agent  to  suit  the  "  merchant  adven 
turers,"  though  without  authority  from  the  com 
pany  at  Ley  den.16 

Now,  however,  a  new  trouble  arose.  A  new 
company  was  formed  in  England,  with  a  grant 
from  the  King,  of  the  northern  part  of  what  had 
been  under  the  Virginia  grant,  and  this,  with 
other  tracts,  was  henceforth  to  be  named  New 
England.  In  consequence,  some  were  now  for 
uniting  with  this  new  company,  while  some  in 
England,  that  were  to  go  with  them,  declined ; 
other  merchants  and  friends,  that  had  offered  to 
adventure  means,  withdrew,  presenting  excuses, 
some  because  they  would  not  go  to  Guiana,  others 
because  they  would  go  to  Virginia,  while  others 
would  do  nothing  if  they  went  not  to  Virginia.17 

"In  the  midst  of  these  distractions,  they  of  Ley- 
den  who  had  put  off  their  estates,  and  laid  out 
their  money,  were  brought  into  great  straits, 
greatly  fearing  the  issue  to  which  things  might 
come."18 

Yet  the  great  cause  of  discontent  was  the  alter 
ing  of  the  conditions  of  the  agreement,  at  Leydcn, 

1(5  Bradford,  43,  45.  >8  Bradford,  p.  45. 

17  Ibid.,  44,  45. 


206 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETTSTER. 


by  their  agent  in  London,  to  meet  the  demands  of 
the  merchant  adventurers.  That  the  reader  may 
have  a  view  of  them  as  thus  altered,  they  are  pre 
sented  below.19 

The  oppressive  modifications  were  that  all  their 


19  "Ano.  1620.  The  adventur 
ers  and  planters  do  agree  that 
every  person  that  goeth,  "being 
aged  sixteen  years  and  upward,  he 
rated  at  ten  pounds,  and  ten. 
pounds  to  be  rated  a  single  share. 

"  That  he  that  goeth  in  person, 
and  furnisheth  himself  out  with 
ten  pounds,  either  in  money  or 
other  provisions,  be  accounted  as 
having  twenty  pounds  in  stock, 
and  in  the  division  shall  receive 
a  double  share. 

"The  persons  transported,  and 
the  adventurers,  shall  continue 
their  joint  stock  and  partnership 
together  the  space  of  seven  years 
(except  some  unexpected  impedi 
ment  do  cause  the  whole  company 
to  agree  otherwise)  ;  during  which 
time,  all  profits  and  benefits  that 
are  gotten  by  trade,  traffic,  truck 
ing,  working,  fishing,  or  any  other 
means,  of  any  person  or  persons, 
shall  remain  still  in  the  common 
stock  until  the  division. 

"  That,  at  their  coming  there, 
they  choose  out  such  a  number  of 
fit  persons  as  may  furnish  their 
ships  and  boats  for  fishing  upon 
•the  sea ;  employing  the  rest  in 
their  several  faculties  upon  the 
land,  as  building  houses,  tilling 
and  planting  the  ground,  and 


making  such  commodities  as  shall 
be  most  useful  for  the  colony. 

"  That,  at  the  end  of  the  seven 
years,  the  capital  and  profits,  viz., 
the  houses,  lands,  goods,  and  chat 
tels,  be  equally  divided  betwixt 
the  adventurers  and  planters ; 
which  done,  every  man  shall  be 
free  from  other  of  them  of  any 
debt  or  detriment  concerning  this 
adventure. 

"  Whosoever  cometh  to  the  Co 
lony  hereafter,  or  putteth  any  into 
the  stock,  shall,  at  the  end  of  the 
seven  years,  be  allowed  propor- 
tionably  to  the  time  of  his  so 
doing. 

"  He  that  shall  carry  his  wife, 
children,  or  servants,  shall  be 
allowed  for  every  person  now  aged 
sixteen  years  and  upward,  a  single 
share  in  the  division ;  or,  if  he 
provide  them  necessaries,  a  double 
share  ;  or  if  they  be  between  ten 
and  sixteen  years  old,  then  two  of 
them  to  be  reckoned  for  a  person, 
both  in  transportation  and  divi 
sion. 

"  That  such  children  that  now 
go,  and  are  under  the  age  of  ten 
years,  have  no  other  share  in  the 
division  but  fifty  acres  of  un- 
manured  land. 

"  That  such  persons  as  die  before 


AGREEMENT  ALTERED  ;  NEW  TRIALS;  SAD  DELAYS.    207 

houses  and  improved  lands,  even  home  lots  and 
gardens,  were  to  belong  to  the  company  of  adven 
turers  and  planters,  to  be  divided,  as  all  other  pro 
perty,  at  the  end  of  seven  years  ;  and  that,  instead 
of  having  two  days  in  a  week  for  their  own  private 
employment,  for  the  comfort  of  themselves  and 
families,  the  whole  six  days  should  be  devoted 
wholly  to  the  common  service. 

To  such  conditions  were  the  Elder  and  his 
company  constrained  to  submit,  in  order  to  their 
transportation,  and  this  for  a  settlement  in  the 
far  off  wilds  of  the  new  hemisphere. 

The  month  of  June  had  arrived,  and  yet 
additional  trials,  of  faith  and  patience,  must  be 
endured.  Between  the  differences  of  those  who 
received  the  funds  and  made  outlays  for  provisions, 
and  the  long  delays  by  Mr.  Weston  in  providing 
shipping,  precious  time  was  lost,  and  piteous  was 
the  case  of  many  who  had  embarked  their  little 
all  in  the  enterprise.20 

At  length,  after  hindrances  and  trials  more 
numerous  than  have  been  mentioned,21  preparations 
were  concluded,  and  notice  accordingly  sent  to 
Leyden. 

the  seven  years  be  expired,  their  meat,  drink,  apparel,  and  all  pro- 
executors    to  have  their  parts  or  visions,  out  of  the  common  stock 
share  at  the  division,  proportion-  and  goods    of  the    said    colony." 
ably  to  the  time  of  their  life  in  Bradford,  45,  46. 
the  colony.  20  Bradford,  pp.  48,  58. 

"That  all  such  persons  as  are  2I  Ibid.,  62. 
of  this  colony  are  to  have  their 


208  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

A  small  ship,  the  Speedwell,  of  about  sixty  tons 
burden,  was  purchased,  and  fitted  in  Holland ; 
while  the  Mayflower,  of  one  hundred  and  eighty 
tons,  was  hired  in  London.  All  being  ready  at 
Leyden,  they  passed  another  day  in  deep  devotion, 
their  pastor  addressing  them  from  the  words  of 
the  Prophet,  "  I  proclaimed  a  fast,  that  we  might 
humble  ourselves  before  our  God,  and  seek  of  him 
a  right  way  for  us,  and  for  our  children,  and  for 
all  our  substance,"22  words  aptly  suited  to  the 
occasion ;  and  on  which  "  he  dwelt  most  im 
pressively  and  profitably,  a  good  portion  of  the 
day." 

Says  Winslow,  who  was  present,  "  among  other 
wholesome  instructions  and  exhortations,  he  used 
these  or  like  expressions.  *  *  Being  now  ere  long 
to  part  asunder,  and  the  Lord  knowing  whether 
ever  he  should  live  to  see  our  faces  again,  he 
charged  us  before  God  and  his  blessed  angels,  to 
follow  him  no  further  than  he  followed  Christ: 
and  if  God  should  reveal  anything  to  us  by  any 
other  instrument  of  his,  to  be  as  ready  to  receive 
it  as  ever  we  were  to  receive  any  truth  by  his 
ministry ;  for  he  was  very  confident  the  Lord  had 
more  truth  and  light  yet  to  break  forth  out  of  his 
Holy  Word. 

"  He  took  occasion  also  miserably  to  bewail  the 
state  and  condition  of  the  reformed  churches, 
who  were  come  to  a  period  in  religion,  and  would 

22  Bradford,  p.  59. 


SUMMARY  OF  THE  PASTOR'S  FAREWELL  ADDRESS.       209 

go  no  further  than  the  instruments  of  their 
reformation.  As,  for  example,  the  Lutherans — 
they  could  not  be  drawn  to  go  beyond,  what 
Luther  saw:  for  whatever  part  of  God's  will  he 
had  further  imparted,  and  revealed  to  Calvin,  they 
will  rather  die  than  embrace  it.  And  so  also,  the 
Calvinists,  they  stick  where  he  left  them  ;  a  misery 
much  to  be  lamented;  for  though  they  were 
precious  lights  in  their  times,  yet  God  had  not 
revealed  his  whole  will  to  them ;  and  were  they 
now  living,  they  would  be  as  ready  and  willing  to 
embrace  further  light,  as  that  they  had  received. 

"  He  also  put  us  in  mind  of  our  church 
covenant,  at  least  that  part  of  it  whereby  we 
promise  and  covenant  with  God,  and  one  with 
another,  to  receive  whatsoever  light  or  truth  shall 
be  made  known  to  us  from  His  written  word ;  but 
withal  exhorted  us  to  take  heed  what  we  received 
for  truth,  and  well  to  examine  and  compare  it, 
and  weigh  it,  with  other  Scriptures  of  truth,  before 
we  receive  it.  For,  saith  he,  it  is  not  possible, 
the  Christian  world  should  come  so  lately  out  of 
such  thick  anti-christian  darkness,  and  that  full 
perfection  of  knowledge  should  break  forth  at  once. 

"  Another  thing  he  commended  to  us,  that  we 
should  use  all  means  to  avoid  and  shake  off  the 
name  of  Brownist,  being  a  mere  nickname  and 
brand,  to  make  religion  and  the  professors  of  it, 
odious  to  the  Christian  world.  '  And  to  that  end,' 
said  he,  1 1  should  be  glad  if  some  godly  minister 
would  go  over  with  you  before  my  coming ;  for  there 

14 


210  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER, 

will  be  no  difference  between  the  unconformable 
ministers  and  you,  when  they  come  to  the  practice 
of  the  ordinances  out  of  the  kingdom.'  So  (he) 
advised  us  by  all  means  to  endeavor  to  close  with 
the  godly  part  of  the  kingdom  of  England,  and 
rather  to  study  union  than  division ;  to  wit,  how 
near  we  might  possibly  without  sin  close  with 
them,  than  in  the  least  measure  to  effect  division 
or  separation  from  them.  And  be  not  loth  to 
take  another  pastor  or  teacher,  for  that  flock  that 
hath  two  shepherds  is  not  endangered  but  secured 
by  it." 

Such  were  the  expanded  views  and  teachings  of 
the  pastor  of  this  Leyden  Company.  Such  were 
doubtless  the  views  of  Brewster.  And  to  show 
that  they  partook  not  of  the  spirit  of  the  "  rigid 
Separatists,"  Winslow  testifies  on  another  occa 
sion:  "If  any  joining  us  formerly,  and  with  the 
manifestation  of  their  faith,  and  profession,  held 
forth  separation  from  the  Church  of  England,  I 
have  divers  times  heard  either  Mr.  Robinson,  our 
pastor,  or  Mr.  Brewster,  our  elder,  stop  them  forth 
with,  showing  them  that  we  required  no  such 
things  at  their  hands  ;  but  only  to  hold  faith  in 
Christ  Jesus,  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  sub 
mission  to  every  ordinance  and  appointment  of 
God ;  leaving  the  Church  of  England  to  them 
selves  and  to  the  Lord,  before  whom  they  should 
stand  or  fall,  and  to  whom  we  ought  to  pray  to 
reform  what  was  amiss  amongst  them."23 

*3  Winslow's  Brief  Narrative,  in  Young,  396,  399,  and  400. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

"  A  slow  developed  strength  awaits 
Completion  in  a  painful  school ; 
Phantoms  of  other  forms  of  rule, 
New  majesties  of  mighty  states." — TENNYSON. 

ALL  things  being  ready,  and  the  time  having 
arrived  for  these  voyagers  to  the  New  World  to 
depart,  those  that  were  to  remain,  prepared  a  feast 
for  those  that  were  to  go.  It  was  at  their  "  pas 
tor's  house,  which  was  large,"  and  where  probably 
they  had  usually  assembled  for  worship.  "  Earnest 
were  the  prayers  for  each  other,  and  mutual  the 
pledges."  Tears  flowed  indeed;  but  they  re 
freshed  themselves  with  appropriate  psalms,  making 
melody  in  their  hearts,  as  well  as  with  the  voice ; 
"  many  of  the  congregation  being  very  expert  in 
music."  "  Indeed  (said  Winslow),  it  was  the 
sweetest  melody  that  ever  mine  ears  heard  I"1  True 
was  all  this  to  the  instincts  of  nature,  under  the 
guidance  of  grace.  When  deeply  oppressed,  the 
soul  finds  relief  in  devotion,  and  refreshment  in 
melody,  fitting  melody,  plaintive  at  first,  to  touch 
soothingly  the  cords  of  the  sorrowing  heart,  then 

1  Winslow  in  Young,  p.  384. 


212  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

gradually  merging  into  the  animating,  and  then 
into  the  invigorating  and  soul-inspiring.  Thus 
refreshed  and  strengthened  to  put  in  execution 
their  great  resolve,  the  departing  company  left 
Leyden  for  the  haven  of  Delft,  their  place  of  em 
barkation  ; — left  that  "  goodly  and  pleasant  city," 
where  for  eleven  years  they  had  had  their  resting- 
place,  bidding  adieu  to  loved  countenances,  sun 
dering  strong  ties  of  attachment  cemented  by  trials, 
and  recollections  of  joys  and  sorrows  past.  No 
wonder,  under  the  circumstances,  that  a  deep  feel 
ing  of  loneliness  came  over  them,  as  of  "pilgrims" 
without  country  or  home. 

Pilgrims  indeed  they  were ;  not  in  the  classical 
sense,  derived  from  heathen  use,  nor  from  the 
periods  of  the  Church's  sad  declensions,  nor  as 
used  in  the  romances  of  the  crusades,  nor  in  the 
sense  of  the  devotees  of  the  prophet  of  Mecca ; 
but  in  the  primary  sense,  as  well  as  in  the 
divinely  inspired  use — "Strangers  andsojourners," 
"  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth."  This  wras 
the  inspired  language  to  which  their  minds  re 
verted  when  they  declared  that  "they  knew  they 
were  pilgrims  here,  and  in  the  sorrow  of  departing 
lifted  their  eyes  towards  heaven  as  their  dearest 
country,  and  quieted  their  spirits."" 


2  Bradford,  p.  59.  Objections  The  term  is  not  Greek,  or  Roman, 
have  been  made  on  classical  but  of  German  or  Belgic  origin, 
grounds,  to  the  use  of  the  term pil-  from  pelgrim  (or  Teutonic)  pil- 
grims,  and  to  its  application  to  this  gram.  Its  first  and  general  mean- 
people,  but  to  little  purpose.  ing  is,  a  traveller,  a  wanderer,  also 


-    *•  1 3 


CALLED  PILGRIMS;  DEPART  FROM  LEYDEN.   213 

On  the  21st  of  July,  1620,  they  were  on  then- 
way  to  Delft,  and  thence  to  the  Haven  of  Delft, 
their  brethren  from  Leyclen  accompanying  them.3 
Arriving  at  Delft  Haven,  again  their  brethren 
prepared  for  them  a  social  feast.  "  Little  sleep 

was  there  to  most  of  them  that  night."     Friendly 

j 

entertainment,  Christian  discourse,  and  expressions 
of  deep  affection  in  parting,  "held  their  eyes 
waking."  "  Never,"  says  Winslow,  "  I  persuade 
myself,  never  people  on  earth  lived  more  lovingly 
together,  and  parted  more  sweetly  than  we,  the 
Church  of  Leyden."  "  Often  seeking,  not  rashly, 

one  who  travels  on  a  religious  ac-  been  the  days  of  the  years  of  my 

count,  and  one  who,  on  that  ac-  pilgrimage." 

count,  is  a  sojourner  in  another  Shakspeare  used  it  with  still 
land.  In  accordance  with  this  greater  license :  "  In  prison  thou 
primary  definition,  is  its  use  in  hast  spent  a  pilgrimage,"  and  Dry  - 
our  translation  of  the  Old  and  New  den,  "  Painting  is  a  long  pilgrim- 
Testament ;  a  sojourner  and  wan-  age."  The  terms  are  extensively 
derer  in  another  land ;  or,  a  so-  used  indeed  in  a  classical  sense, 
journer  on  the  earth  in  reference  as  of  journeying  to  some  shrine 
to  a  heavenly  home.  Accordingly,  for  purposes  of  penance  and  devo- 
the  terms,  "  strangers  and  sojourn-  tion ;  as  in  heathen,  Mohammedan, 
ers,"  "  strangers  and  pilgrims,"  are  and  corruptly  Christian  usage; 
considered  to  be  nearly  synony-  but  not  such  is  its  primitive,  bib- 
mous,  especially  in  Gen.  xxii.  4  ;  lical,  or  Protestant  application. 
Ps.  xxxix.  19  ;  1st  Peter,  ii.  11  ;  3  The  mode  by  which  they  were 
Heb.  xi.  13-16.  In  this  sense  it  conveyed  doubtless  was  by  the 
is  used  in  that  generally  adopted  "  Trackchuit"  (canal  boat),  the 
hymn —  canal  passing  from  Leyden  direct- 
"  Guide  me,  0  thou  great  Jehovah !  ly  through  Delft  to  Delft  Haven  ; 
Pilgrim  through  this  barren  land."  this  being  then,  and  for  ages  since, 
In  this  sense  only  is  it  used  in  the  almost  only  mode  of  travelling 
Bunyan's  inimitable  allegory,  in  that  country  under  like  circum- 
Such,  also,  is  the  use  of  the  term  stances, 
pilgrimage.  "  Few  and  evil  have 


214  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

but  deliberately,  the  mind  of  God  in  prayer,  and 
finding  His  gracious  presence  with  us,  and  His 
blessing  upon  us."4 

The  morning  of  the  22d  dawned  upon  them 
favorably.  After  prayer  by  their  pastor,  and  many 
tears,  they  repaired  to  their  little  ship,  lying  at 
the  quay  ready  to  receive  them,  accompanied  not 
only  by  their  brethren  from  Leyden,  but  by  some 
even  from  Amsterdam,  who  had  come  to  take 
leave  of  them  (and  to  many  it  was  a  final  leave). 
Going  on  board  amidst  sighs  and  sobs,  their  grief 
became  too  deep  for  utterance. 

"  Loath  to  separate,  yet  the  wind  being  fair,  and 
the  tide  admonishing,  their  pastor  falls  down  upon 
his  knees,  and  they  all  with  him,  while  he,  with 
watery  cheeks,  commends  them  mostt  fervently  to 
the  Lord  .and  his  blessing."  Then,  with  mutual 
embraces  and  short  leave-takings,  they  part. 
With  sails  set,  the  ship  recedes  from  the  quay, 
while  three  volleys  from  the  small  arms  and  three 
pieces  of  ordnance  announce  their  departure.5 

4  In  Yoiing,  pp.  88,  380.  The  painter  seized  the  moment 

6  Bradford    and    Winslow.     Of  when,  on  the  deck  of  the  Speed- 

the    "Embarkation    of    the    Pil-  well,  just  ready  to  depart,  all  were 

grims"   (the  interesting  scene  of  kneeling  in  prayer.     True  to  his- 

which  has  just  been  described),  tory  in  minutest  particulars,  true 

that  superior  historical  painting,  to  nature,  and  to  the  customs  and 

by  Professor  Wier,  in  the  rotunda  costumes  of  the  times,  as  well  as 

of  our  National  Capitol  at  Wash-  true  to  the  higher  attainments  of 

ington,  presents   a   most   graphic  the    art,  this   historical  painting 

and  striking  view.     From  it  is  the  stands  before  us  in  this  country 

faithfully  executed  engraving  for  unrivalled, 

our  frontispiece ;  which  see.  The    figure    with    outstretched 


EMBARKATION  OF  THE  PILGRIMS. 


215 


The  last  silent  tokens,  as  long  as  their  eyes 
could  discern  them,  were  the  lifting  up  of  hands 
to  each  other,  even  as  their  hearts  were  for  each 
to  the  Most  High,  while  they  passed  out  upon  the 
broad  Meuse,  and  were  borne  away  to  the  sea. 


hands  and  devout  look,  nearest 
the  foreground  of  the  central 
group,  is  Mr.  Robinson,  their  pas 
tor,  earnestly  commending  them 
to  the  grace  and  blessing  of  the 
Almighty.  He  remained  in  Hol 
land. 

Their  ruling  elder,  William 
Brewster,  in  like  earnest  devotion, 
is  near  the  centre  of  this  group, 
with  open  Bible  in  his  hands,  and 
a  look  of  deep  emotion,  firm  pur 
pose,  and  holy  trust. 

Between  these  two  is  Mr.  Car 
ver,  afterwards  governor. 

On  the  right  and  left  of  Carver 
are  the  youthful  Bradford,  subse 
quently  governor,  and  his  wife. 

On  the  right  of  the  elder  are 
Mrs.  Brewster  and  child,  in  feeble 
health. 

Further  to  his  right,  in  the  fore 
ground,  and  kneeling  side  by  side, 
are  Mr.  and  Mrs.  White. 

Prominent  in  the  middle 
ground,  on  the  elder's  extreme 
right,  are  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winslow, 
she  in  bridal  attire ;  and  right 
and  left  of  them,  two  lads  under 
their  care. 

Back  of  the  elder  are  Mr.  Ful 
ler,  the  physician,  and  his  wife, 
to  be  separated  for  a  season. 


On  the  left  of  the  pastor  are 
Mrs.  Carver,  child,  and  boy. 

Farthest  on  his  left,  and  pro 
minent  in  the  foreground,  is  the 
brave  Miles  Standish,  in  military 
garb,  with  his  beautiful  wife  Rose. 

In  the  back  ground,  to  the  right 
of  these,  is  seen  the  Captain  of 
the  Speedwell,  giving  orders  to  a 
seaman,  while  children,  domes 
tics,  spectators,  &c.,  in  the  dis 
tance,  with  various  implements  on 
the  deck,  fill  up  the  scene. 

But  the  painting  must  be 
studied  to  realize  its  truthfulness 
and  excellence.  As  far  as  prac 
ticable,  however,  in  so  small  a 
space,  clear  ideas  of  it  may  be 
gathered  from  the  engraving  for 
the  frontispiece. 

It  should  also  be  added  here, 
that  in  England  a  painting  has 
been  executed  on  the  subject  of 
the  "Departure  of  the  Pilgrims." 
Of  its  merits,  compared  with  that 
of  our  own  countryman,  we  are 
unable  to  speak.  Being,  as  we 
understand,  a  national  work,  it  is 
undoubtedly  worthy  of  the  subject, 
and  of  the  people  who  have  called 
for  its  execution,  and  given  it  a 
location  in  their  National  Museum. 


216  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETTSTER. 

On  shore,  the  pastor  and  the  remainder  of  his  sad 
dened  flock  returned  to  Leyden,  while  the  Dutch 
strangers,  that  stood  on  the  quay  as  spectators, 
had  not  been  able  to  refrain  from  "  tears"  at  the 
view  of  that  parting. 

In  all  this,  what  must  have  been  the  emotions 
of  their  elder'?  Deeply  must  he  have  felt  the  re 
sponsibility  of  his  position,  while,  as  their  spiritual 
leader  and  instructor,  though  a  layman,  he  was 
now  committed  with  them,  and  they  with  him,  to 
the  uncertainties  of  the  voyage,  and  to  the  greater 
uncertainties  and  trials  of  a  settlement  beyond  the 
seas,  in  a  savage  land. 

Scarcely,  however,  could  he  have  had  time  to 
collect  his  thoughts  of  the  past,  and  of  the  memo 
rable  present,  and  to  glance  dimly  at  the  future, 
when  the  Speedwell,  with  the  pilgrim  band,  ap 
proached  and  passed  the  Briel.  There,  doubtless, 
he  must  have  called  to  mind  the  time  when,  in 
younger  years,  he  was  with  the  ambassador  while 
receiving  possession  of  that  town  and  its  fortresses, 
and  also  when  leaving  the  country  for  England 
and  the  court,  himself  buoyant  with  youthful 
hope,  bearing  the  golden  chain  in  token  of  faithful 
service,  and  with  brightest  prospects  of  advance 
ment  to  higher  positions. 

What  had  he  since  passed  through]  What 
changes  had  been  his]  What  strange  contrasts 
in  life  I  What  unlooked-for  occurrences  I  What, 
even  in  the  past  twelve  years,  in  the  land  he  was 


ARRIVAL  AT  SOUTHAMPTON.  217 

now  leaving,  ending  with  the  last  painful  scene, 
this  very  day,  at  the  Haven  of  Delft  I 

But  the  Speedwell  speeds  rapidly  on  her  course. 
Ere  long,  with  "  a  prosperous  wind,"  after  a  short 
passage,  they  are  on  the  coast  of  England,  and  in 
the  port  of  Southampton. 


CHAPTER   XIX. 

Perseverance  is  a  Roman  virtue, 

And  plucks  success 
E'en  from  the  spear-proof  crest  of  rugged  danger. — HAVARD. 

ARRIVED  at  Southampton,  an  ancient  seaport  on 
the  southern  coast  of  England,  the  Leyden  Com 
pany  met  their  companions  and  others  with  the 
larger  ship,  the  Mayflower,  from  London.  Joyful 
was  their  meeting,  and  mutual  were  the  congratu 
lations.  Seven  days  had  these  friends  been  await 
ing  their  arrival.1 

Here  were  they  again  in  England,  the  land  of 
their  birth,  after  twelve  years  of  voluntary  exile, 
for  their  distinctive  views,  in  a  land  of  strangers. 
Yet  they  had  little  time  for  reflection  upon  scenes 
and  events  and  associations  of  early  life :  now  was 
the  time  for  stern  resolve  and  action.2  They  were 
to  leave  again  immediately  as  exiles  for  life,  beyond 
the  vast  and  yet  seldom  frequented  ocean. 

Proceeding  with  the  necessary  arrangements  for 
the  voyage,  they  authorized  the  needed  outlays, 
and  prepared  to  depart.  In  the  mean  time  there 
arrived  from  Mr.  Robinson,  in  Leyden,  a  most 

1  Bradford,  GO.  2  Ibid.,  60-1. 


PARTING  LETTER;  SET  SAIL;  FORCED  TO  RETURN.   219 

affectionate  and  earnest  parting  letter,  which  was 
read  to  the  company,  to  the  profit  of  many,  and 
acceptance  of  all.  And  now  on  distributing  the 
whole  company  on  board  the  two  ships,  they  chose 
for  each  a  manager  with  assistants,  to  order  the 
people  and  provisions,  and  all  else  of  a  like  nature 
that  might  be  for  the  best  good  of  the  whole.3 

About  the  5th  of  August,  some  thirteen  days 
after  their  embarkation  at  Delft  Haven,  the  pil 
grim  company,  numbering,  with  the  additions  from 
London,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty,  set  sail 
from  Southampton.  But  further  disappointments 
awaited  them.  Scarcely  were  they  at  sea,  when  the 
master  of  the  Speedwell  declared  his  ship  to  be  so 
leaky,  that  he  dare  not  proceed.4  Both  masters,  on 
consultation,  resolved  to  put  into  the  harbor  of 
Dartmouth,  an  old  town  of  note  on  the  southern 
coast  of  England.  Here  a  week  longer  was  passed 
during  the  Speedwell's  repairs,  an  unexpected  loss 
of  time,  as  well  as  expenditure  of  means  ;  after 
which  both  vessels  again  put  to  sea. 

Nor  was  this  all.  After  having  proceeded  over 
"  a  hundred  leagues  off  the  Land's  End,"  the  mas 
ter  of  the  Speedwell  again  complained  of  her  leak 
age,  and  declared  that  he  must  return  or  sink. 
Upon  this,  both  vessels  put  back  into  the  harbor  of 
Plymouth,  another  port  on  the  southwestern  coast  of 
England ;  which,  for  beauty  of  situation,  strength, 
wealth,  and  historic  incident,  had  no  rival  in  that 

3  Bradford,  62-8.  4  Ibid.,  68. 


220  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

part  of  the  kingdom.  Judging  the  Speedwell  to 
be  unseaworthy,  they  there  dismissed  her.  Those 
who  "  were  willing,"  and  some  who  "  were  weak 
est,"  though  it  was  grievous  and  discouraging, 
went  back  to  London,  in  all  about  twenty,  Mr. 
Cushman  and  family  being  of  the  number.  The 
others  joined  those  in  the  Mayflower,  arranging 
themselves  and  provisions  as  they  could.5 

September  the  6th,  after  kind  treatment  from 
friends  at  that  place,  and  another  sad  parting,  the 
now  entire  Mayflower  company  set  sail  again.6 

Henceforth,  few  things  are  known  of  what  took 
place  on  board  during  their  long  and  dreary  voyage. 
The  few  facts  recorded,  however,  furnish  some  in 
teresting  insight  into  their  condition  and  trials  on 
the  deep. 

One  hundred  passengers,  added  to  the  ship's 
captain  and  men,  with  provisions  for  all,  and  the 
implements  and  effects  for  settling  a  colony,  all 
compacted  together  in  one  small  ship,  of  but  180 
tons,  can  give  no  very  favorable  idea  of  internal 
convenience  or  comfort.  Yet,  with  a  fair  wind, 
they  proceeded  prosperously  at  first,  until  about 
half  way  over  the  sea,  though  the  usual  sea  sick 
ness  was  to  them  no  stranger.  Then  commenced 
"  cross  winds  and  fierce  storms."  Encountering 
these,  the  ship  labored,  and  her  upper  works 


5  Bradford,  pp.  69,  70.    No  slight  she  performed  service  to  the  great 

censure  has  been  passed  upon  the  profit  of  her  owners, 

master  of  the  Speedwell ;  as  after-  6  Bradford,  p.  74.    Prince,  p.  80. 
wards,  when  put  in  proper  trim, 


IN  PERILS  AT  SEA;    THE  ELDER'S  POSITION.        221 

became  leaky.  A  main  beam  amidships  was  bent 
and  cracked.  The  mariners  manifested  fears  of 
the  ability  of  the  ship  and  much  distraction  and 
difference  of  opinion.  Though  willing  to  do  what 
they  could,  they  were  yet  loath  to  hazard  their  lives 
to  any  extremity.  Perceiving  this,  the  chief  of  the 
pilgrim  company  consulted  with  the  officers  of  the 
ship  as  to  the  danger,  and  whether  to  return  or  to 
proceed.  All  opinions  and  reports  being  examined, 
and  the  captain  being  in  favor  of  further  exertions, 
various  expedients  were  used  to  lessen  the  danger. 
By  a  huge  iron  screw,  brought  by  some  passengers 
from  Holland,  the  wrenched  mainbeam  was  brought 
into  its  place.  With  this  and  other  appliances, 
they  so  strengthened  and  tightened  their  laboring 
bark,  that,  committing  themselves  to  the  will  of 
God,  they  resolved  to  proceed.  Yet  often  after 
wards,  in  fierce  storms  and  winds,  and  high  run 
ning  seas,  was  their  frail  weakened  vessel  unable 
to  bear  sail,  and  forced  to  lie  by  for  days  together.7 
And  how,  during  all  this  time,  was  their  elder 
chiefly  occupied  ]  Doubtless,  as  we  would  expect, 
as  their  counsellor,  their  instructor,  and  spiritual 
guide;  with  whom,  and  by  whose  resolve  to  go 
with  them,  they  had  undertaken  this  arduous  enter 
prise.  Doubtless  he  led  their  daily  devotions,  as 
winds  and  sea,  and  other  circumstances  would  per 
mit,  and  spoke  to  them  from  portions  of  the  Word 
of  truth  aptly  suited  to  each  new  occurrence,  and 

7  Bradford,  pp.  75,  76. 


222  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

in  way  and  manner  best  calculated  to  instruct,  to 
cheer,  and  to  edify.8 

Among  the  incidents  of  the  voyage,  was  one 
that  appears  to  have  left  on  the  minds  of  both 
navigators  and  passengers  a  strong  impression.  A 
certain  stout,  able-bodied,  yet  haughty  and  profane 
young  seaman,  was  constantly  treating  these  people 
with  contempt,  and  in  their  sickness  daily  "  cursing 
and  execrating  them,"  not  hesitating  to  tell  them 
he  hoped  to  help  cast  half  of  them  overboard 
before  they  came  to  their  journey's  end,  and  "to 
make  merry"  with  what  they  should  leave.  If 
spoken  to  ever  so  gently  respecting  this  treatment, 
"he  would  curse  the  more  bitterly."  This  young 
seaman  was  "  smitten  by  a  grievous  disease,"  before 
half  of  the  voyage  was  completed,  and  died  in 
great  "  desperation,"  and  "  was  himself  the  first  to 
be  thrown  overboard,"  to  the  "  astonishment  of  all 
his  fellows,"  who  marked  it  as  being  by  "  the  just 
hand  of  God."9 

As  another  incident,  a  stout  young  man,  of  the 
passengers  (John  Howland),  coming  above  the  grat 
ings,  as  the  ship  lay  to  in  a  raging  storm,  was,  by 
a  sudden  lurch  of  the  ship,  cast  into  the  sea ;  yet, 
catching  hold  of  the  topsail  halliards  that  hung 
overboard,  running  out  at  length,  and  holding  to 
them,  even  though  fathoms  under  water,  he  was 
drawn  up  by  them  to  the  surface,  and,  by  boat- 
hooks  and  other  means,  was  raised  on  board,  and 

8  Bradford,  p.  413.  9  Bradford,  p.  75. 


INCIDENTS  OF  THEIR  YOTAGE.  223 

his  life  preserved.  Thus  rescued,  in  the  providence 
of  God,  he  lived  many  years  a  valuable  member  of 
their  community.10 

On  the  6th  of  November,  one  month  after  leav 
ing  Plymouth  and  the  English  coast,  died  William 
Butten,  a  youth  in  the  family  of  Mr.  Fuller,  their 
physician.  He  was  the  first  and  only  one  of  their 
own  company  whose  mortal  remains  they  were 
called  upon  during  the  passage  to  commit  to  the 
great  deep. 

One  also  was  born  during  the  passage  at  sea,  a 
child  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hopkins,  who  thence  named 
him  "  Oceanus,"11  child  of  the  ocean.  Thus  was  the 
number  of  the  Mayflower  company  continued  the 
same. 

At  dawn  of  day,  on  the  9th  of  November,  land 
was  discovered  from  the  Mayflower's  deck.  It  proved 
to  be  the  cape,  not  long  before  named  Cape  Cod, 
from  the  abundance  of  that  fish  caught  on  its  coast. 
Cheering  indeed  to  the  suffering  passengers  was 
the  sight,  after  so  long  a  confinement  in  their 
crowded  and  storm-worn  ship. 

But  as  it  was  their  intention  to  find  a  place  for 
settlement  near  the  Hudson  river,  on  consultation, 
the  ship's  course  was  directed  southward,  the  wind 
and  weather  favoring.  Sailing  this  course  half  of 
the  day,  they  found  themselves  among  the  perilous 
shoals  and  breakers  off  the  southerly  portion  of 
that  cape.  Apparently  in  much  peril,  and  the 

10  Bradford,  p.  7(3.  "  Ibid.,  p.  448. 


224  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETVSTER. 

favorable  wind  failing  them,  they  resolved  to  turn 
back,  and  bear  up  again  for  the  point  of  the  cape, 
thankful  to  free  themselves  from  the  threatening 
dangers  before  the  night  should  overtake  them.12 

On  the  llth  day  of  November,  1620,  sixty-five 
days,  or  more  than  nine  weeks  after  their  last  de 
parture  from  the  shores  of  England,  they  entered, 
and  anchored  in  safety,  in  the  Harbor  of  Cape 
Cod. 

Here  arrived,  before  all  other  movements,  "  they 
fell  on  their  knees,  and  blessed  the  God  of  heaven," 
who  had  brought  them  through  all  their  trials  and 
perils  on  the  deep,  to  their  present  place  of  safety.13 

Truly,  with  interest  no  less  deep  than  when,  at 
their  embarkation,  Eobinson  committed  them  to 
the  guidance  and  keeping  of  the  Most  High,  Brew- 
ster,  their  elder,  now  bowed  with  them — 

"  At  prayer,  at  prayer,"  upon  the  Mayflower's  deck. 

"  Holy  man ! 

Heart  on  thy  lips,  and  Bible  in  thy  hand, 
Pour  forth,  as  far  as  feeble  speech  can  do, 
The  intense  emotion  of  the  ocean-toss'd 
And  care-worn  group  that  thus  encircles  thee."14 

Next,  being  out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Vir 
ginia  grant,  and  their  patent,  which  cost  them  so 
much,  giving  them  no  authority  here,  and  expect 
ing,  even  from  the  first,  under  that  patent,  to 
organize  for  themselves  a  civil  government,  as  a 
colony,  and  to  choose,  for  the  time,  their  own 

12  Bradford,  p.  77,  and  Winslow         13  Bradford,  pp.  77,  78. 
in  Young,  p.  385.  u  Mrs.  Sigourney. 


THE  COMPACT  ON  BOARD  THE  MAYFLOWER.      225 

magistrates,15  and  now  especially,  seeing  signs  of 
insubordination  and  faction  in  some — not  from 
Leyden,  bnt  of  the  "strangers  that  joined  them 
from  London,"  who  were  not  well  affected  towards 
them  and  their  purpose,  they  proceeded  at  once  to 
accomplish  this  most  important  object.  In  the 
Cape  Harbor,  and  before  going  on  shore,  they  drew 
up,  and  signed  this  solemn  compact : — 

"  In  the  name  of  God,  amen. 

"  We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,-  the  loyal 
subjects  of  our  dread  sovereign  lord,  King  James, 
by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France,  and 
Ireland,  king,  defender  of  the  faith,  &c.,  having 
undertaken,  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  advance 
ment  of  the  Christian  faith,  and  honor  of  our  King 
and  country,  a  voyage  to  plant  the  first  colony  in 
the  northern  parts  of  Virginia,16  do,  by  these  pre 
sents,  solemnly  arid  mutually,  in  the  presence  of 
God  and  one  of  another,  covenant  and  combine 
ourselves  together  into  a  civil  body  politic,  for  our 
better  ordering  and  preservation,  and  furtherance 
of  the  ends  aforesaid;  and,  by  virtue  hereof,  to 

15  Robinson's  Parting  Letters,  in  for  that  work."    And  Bradford,  p. 

Bradford,  pp.  66  and  67.    "  You  are  89. 

to  become   a  body  politic,  using  I6  In  Bradford,  pp.  89,  90.     To 

among  yourselves    civil    govern-  settle  in  the  then  northern  parts 

ment."    "  You  are,  at  least  for  the  of  Virginia  was  their  first  purpose, 

present,  to   have    only   them,  for  yet  it  did  not  fail  still  to  form  one 

your   ordinary  governors,  which  of  the  reasons  for  the  present  pro- 

yourselves   shall   make  choice  of  ceeding. 
15 


226  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

enact,  constitute,  and  frame  such  just  and  equal 
laws,  ordinances,  acts,  constitutions,  and  offices, 
from  time  to  time,  as  shall  be  thought  most  meet 
and  convenient  for  the  general  good  of  the  colony, 
unto  which  we  promise  all  due  submission  and 
obedience. 

"In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunder  sub 
scribed  our  names,  at  Cape  Cod,  the  llth  of  No 
vember,  in  the  year  of  the  reign  of  our  sovereign 
lord,  King  James,  of  England,  France,  and  Ire 
land,  the  eighteenth,  and  of  Scotland  the  fifty- 
fourth.  Ano.  Dom.  1620."17 

Such  was  the  compact,  the  "foundation  of  their 
government,"  drawn  up  and  signed  by  this  people, 
on  board  the  Mayflower,  before  setting  foot  on  the 
cape  shore.  Herein,  for  the  first  time,  and  as  the 
first  example  in  the  world's  history,  were  the 
dreams  of  philosophers  for  such  a  purpose  realized, 
and  made  matter  of  fact. 

"  Never  were  any  civilized  people  placed  more 
completely  in  a  state  of  nature  than  this  little 
band  of  pilgrims,  as  they  have  been  justly  called. 
They  had,  indeed,  literally,  a  world  before  them, 
but  that  world  was  a  wilderness,  and  Providence 
was  their  only  guide."18 

17  See  Bradford,  89,  90.  King  James  had  signed  a  patent 

18  Pitkin's    Political   and   Civil  for  the  incorporation  of  the  adven- 
History  of  the   United   States   of  turers  to  the  northern  Colony  of 
America,  i.  p.  32.    "About  a  week  Virginia,  or  New  England."     This 
before,  or  on  the  3d  of  Nov.,  1620,  was  the  great  civil  basis  of  all  the 


GERM  OF  AMERICAN  CONSTITUTIONS ;  ITS  AUTHOR,    227 

In  the  instrument  itself  are  the  marks  of  a  ready 
hand,  of  a  sound  practical,  and  even  far  reaching 
mind.  All  is  expressed  in  terms  full,  comprehen 
sive,  complete,  and  capable  of  application  without 
limit.  Good  authorities  have  pronounced  it  to 
have  been  the  Germ  of  American  Constitutions.19 

And  who  probably  was  the  man  by  whom  this 
instrument  was  chiefly  penned]  Who  other  than 
he  who  alone  had  seen  public  life,  was  early  trained 
in  the  principles  of  government  and  diplomacy, 
and  concerned  in  the  forming  and  executing  of 
treaties,  and  who  had  been  foremost,  and  most 
confided  in  by  this  people,  for  his  wisdom  and 
ability,  though  perhaps  the  meekest  of  their  whole 
company — who  other  than  their  ruling  elder'? 

And  the  reason  why  he  was  not  chosen  to  be 
their  first  governor,  says  Hutchinson,  was  that 
"  He  was  their  ruling  elder,  which  seems  to  have 
been  the  bar  to  his  being  their  governor ;  civil  and 
ecclesiastical  office  in  the  same  person  being  then 
deemed  incompatible."20  While  in  his  place  as 
elder  they  could  furnish  no  substitute ;  to  them  as 
a  church,  his  position  and  office  were  the  most 
important.21 

subsequent  patents  of  this  portion  ^  Hutchinson's   History,   ii.  p. 

of  the  country.     But  the  Pilgrims  460. 

did  not  hear  of   this    until  the  2I  "The  power  of  the    Church, 

arrival   of    the   Fortune,   a    year  in    effect,    was    superior    to    the 

later.     In  Young,  pp.  80,  101.  civil  power." — Judge  Baylie's  Ply- 

19  "  It  contained  the  elements  of  mouth,  i.  p.  227. 
those  forms  of  government  pecu 
liar  to  the  New  World." — Pitkin's 
History,  i.  p.  33,  and  others. 


CHAPTER    XX. 

"  In  the  wilderness  astray, 

In  the  lonely  waste  they  roam, 
Hungry,  fainting  by  the  way, 
Far  from  refuge,  shelter,  home." 

IT  is  Saturday  evening,  the  llth  of  November. 
The  solemn  compact  has  been  drawn  and  signed, 
and  a  governor  of  the  pilgrim  band  chosen.  A 
party  of  some  sixteen  men,  armed  for  defence  in 
case  of  emergency,  have  gone  on  shore,  the  first  of 
their  company  to  set  foot  on  New  England's  soil. 
These  examined  their  locality,  and  the  character 
of  the  nearest  land.  Their  ship  is  in  the  little  bay 
or  harbor  of  the  cape  ;  they  are  on  this  strange 
neck  of  land  of  sickle  shape.  Southwesterly  is  the 
Great  Cape  Bay,  while  over  the  land,  north  and 
easterly,  is  the  broad  ocean.  The  soil  they  find  to 
be  black  earth,  and  sand  hills,  wooded  variously 
to  the  water's  edge.  At  night  they  return  on 
board,  and  report  the  not  altogether  favorable 
prospect;  while  they  bring  with  them  for  their 
needed  fuel,  and  as  their  first  fruits  of  the  New 
World,  the  gratefully  fragrant  cedar,1 

1  Juniperus  Virginiana,  or,  red  cedar.    Brad,  in  Young,  pp.  118,122, 
124. 


FIRST  SABBATH  AT  THE  CAPE;  DREARY  PROSPECT.  229 

The  next  day  was  the  Sabbath,  their  first  Sab 
bath  on  this  wilderness  coast.  And  it  was  the 
province  of  the  Elder  to  lead  their  devotions,  and 
present  to  them  holy  truths  adapted  to  their  new 
condition. 

On  the  next  Monday  morning  they  awoke  afresh 
to  the  arduous  work  before  them. 

Lately  the  discomforts,  sickness,  andhards  hips  of 
a  long  sea  voyage,  in  their  small,  crowded  barque, 
and  the  often  threatening  dangers  of  the  sea,  had 
largely  occupied  their  anxious  thoughts.  Yet 
hope,  and  a  good  purpose,  had  cheered  them  on. 
Now,  thankful  for  their  preservation  through  all 
these,  and  for  their  present  prospects  of  an  un 
molested  home,  yet  already  they  began  to  realize 
that  it  was  to  be  to  them  a  hard-earned,  dear-bought 
home.  On  every  side  were  to  be  seen  naught  but 
wild  forests,  bleak  sands,  or  the  briny  deep.  No 
defined  place,  no  houses,  not  even  huts,  to  receive 
them.  And  this  was  but  the  beginning.  Dread 
winter  was  at  hand ;  a  winter  in  such  a  climate  as 
they  had  never  seen ;  though,  in  the  providence 
of  God,  the  present  was  comparatively  mild. 

But  where  was  to  be  the  place  of  settlement  ? 
Where  shelter  from  the  coming  snows,  wintry 
blasts,  damps  and  chills'?  Where  protection  from 
prowling  savage  beasts,  and  far  more  dreaded 
savage  men'?2 

The  shipmaster's  warning  voice,  too,  was  heard, 

2  Bradford,  pp.  78,  79. 


230  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

that  he  would  ere  long  leave  them,  and  that  their 
stores  of  provisions  could  not  long  suffice. 

And  why  was  all  this  1  Why  had  they  come 
thus  late,  on  the  very  verge  of  winter,  upon  this 
rock-bound,  and  soon  to  be  to  them,  an  ice-bound 
coast  I  Not  for  any  want  of  foresight,  or  of  wis 
dom  of  plan  on  their  own  part,  but  from  the  un 
faithfulness  and  delays  of  others. 

The  troubles  in  the  Virginia  Council,  the  griev 
ous  delays  of  the  contracting  agent  in  furnishing 
the  shipping,  the  detentions  on  the  coast  of  England 
by  the  failure  of  the  Speedwell,  finally,  the  unex 
pected  prevention  of  their  going  to  a  more  southerly 
location,  were  the  true  causes. 

Yet  now  they  were  here,  with  the  new  trials 
staring  them  in  the  face.  And  was  there  heard 
among  them  any  desponding  voice]  It  appears 
not.3  We  see  but  evidences  to  the  contrary,  with 
yet  stronger  resolution,  increased  patience,  and 
firm  trust  in  an  Almighty  arm.  They  were  no 
ordinary  men  or  women.  Their  ruling  elder  and 
pastor  had  truly  said  to  Sir  Edwin  Sandys,  "  It  is 
not  with  us  as  with  other  men,  whom  small  things 
can  discourage,  or  small  discontentments  cause  to 
wish  themselves  at  home  again."  "We  verily 
believe  and  trust  the  Lord  is  with  us,  unto  whom 
and  whose  service  we  have  given  ourselves,  and 
that  he  will  graciously  prosper  our  endeavors  ac- 

3  The  distinction  between  the     officers  and  men,  is  to  be  all  along 
emigrant  company,  and  the  ship's     borne  in  mind. 


FIRST  EXPLORING  EXPEDITION.  231 

cording  to  the  simplicity  of  our  hearts  therein." 
With  such  trust  and  heroic  resolve,  were  their 
trials  met,  and  plans  of  action  promptly  formed. 
From  the  Mayflower,  as  the  centre  of  operations, 
they  commenced  their  first  week's  labors.  There 
was  no  time  for  delay.  Their  large  shallop,  which 
had  been  cut  down,  and  stowed  away,  and  greatly 
injured  in  storms,  and  as  a  lodging-place  for  pas 
sengers,  was  unshipped  and  hauled  to  land,  for 
repairs  and  sailing  rig — a  work  of  many  days. 
The  men  and  women  repaired  to  the  shore  by  way 
of  relief,  and  for  refreshing  and  cleansing  processes 
needful  after  such  a  voyage.4 

An  exploring  party  of  sixteen  men,  voluntarily 
formed  and  fully  armed  under  their  energetic 
Capt.  Standish,  went  forth  by  permission,  and  with 
much  counsel  and  caution,  to  examine  the  wild 
cape  and  coast.  For  three  days  they  explored 
woods,  forded  creeks,  traversed  vales,  climbed 
sand  hills,  followed  the  trails  of  discovered  natives, 
until,  after  many  adventures,  with  torn  armor, 
weary,  worn,  and  wet,  yet  in  safety,  they  returned 
to  the  ship ;  to  the  great  relief  and  joy  of  the 
anxious  company.  They  had  found  strange  graves, 
various  implements  of  human  construction,  some 
lately  cultivated  fields,  and  traces  of  natives  and  of 
other  men  unknown,  also,  one  desolated  station  of 
defence,  and,  to  their  great  relief  from  suffering, 
springs,  and  a  pond  of  fresh  water.  They  had 

4  Bradford,  p.  80,  and  in  Young,  125,  138. 


232  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

found,  and  brought  with  them,  some  wild  fruits, 
with  small  portions  of  concealed  corn,5  a  ship's 
kettle,  and  had  seen  various  wild  fowl,  the  wild 
deer,  and,  at  a  distance,  the  dreaded  Indian  savage . 
They  also  had  found  another  harbor,6  but  no  satis 
factory  place  for  settlement. 

The  repairs  on  shore  progressing,  Sunday  inter 
venes,  the  second  in  the  New  World;  when  all 
are  again  on  board  the  Mayflower  to  unite  in  their 
accustomed  worship,  and  listen  to  the  words  of 
truth.7 

The  second  week  presented  an  equally  busy 
scene.  Repairs  were  urged  forward  ;  tools  put  in 
order,  timber  sought  out  and  sawed;  and  there 
was  constant  going  to  and  from  the  shore.  Much 
wading,  however,  on  account  of  shoal  water,  ex 
posing  to  wet  and  cold,  and  the  frequent  chilling 
storms,  laid  the  foundations  of  diseases  from  which 
many  never  recovered. 

Sunday,  November  26th,  succeeded  (the  third 
in  the  Cape  Harbor),  and  was  doubtless  improved 
as  usual.  Would  that  we  had  a  sketch  of  the 
exercises  and  addresses  of  the  Elder,  on  these 
various  occasions ! 

On  the  next  Monday,  the  second  and  larger  ex 
ploring  expedition  went  forth  in  their  scarcely 
completed  shallop,  consisting  of  some  thirty-four 
men,  including  nine  of  the  ship's  crew,  with  Capt. 

6  Maize,  the  first  that  they  had  ever  seen. 

6  Pamet  Harbor.     Brad.,  p.  82,  and  in  Young,  135. 

7  Bradford,  p.  413. 


SECOND  EXPLORING  EXPEDITION.  233 

Jones  in  command.  Proceeding  down  the  interior 
coast,  cross  winds  and  rough  freezing  weather 
attended  them  by  water ;  while  steep  hills,  deep 
vales,  numerous  creeks,  and  lately  fallen  snow, 
were  encountered  by  land.  Thus  exploring  in 
military  armor  and  order,  by  day,  feeding  chiefly 
on  wild  game,  and  lodging  under  the  forest  pines, 
as  best  they  could,  at  night,  they  examined  further 
locations,  and  made  other  discoveries.  By  cleaving 
the  frozen  earth  with  their  cutlasses,  they  found 
other  concealed  stores  of  corn,  but  no  good  harbor 
or  location  for  the  emigrant  colony. 

On  the  third  day,  sending  back  their  shallop  to 
the  ship,  with  some  fifteen  of  the  weakest  and  sick, 
with  Capt.  Jones,  who  was  urgent  to  return,  the 
remaining  eighteen  resolutely  continued  their 
laborious  examinations  amidst  all  the  exposures. 
Following  the  Indian  trails  farther  into  the  interior, 
and  returning  by  other  ways,  they  discovered  open 
corn-fields,  deserted  huts,  with  signs  of  foreigners 
that  had  been  on  the  coast,  and  various  objects  of 
curiosity,  and  also  more  land  suitable  for  cultivation, 
but  no  other  harbor  than  the  shallow  one  of  Pamet. 
And,  having  gathered  additional  mementos  of  their 
discoveries,  they  resorted  to  their  shallop,  now  re 
turned,  and  on  the  fifth  day  arrived  again,  worn 
and  fatigued,  on  board  the  Mayflower,  and  there 
made  another  not  very  encouraging  report.8 

In  none  of  these  exploring  expeditions  does  it 

8  Bradford,  82-3 ;  in  Young,  pp.  1?8,  145. 


234  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

appear  that  the  Elder  was  engaged.  It  has  been 
said,  indeed,  that  "  he  was  able  to  use  his  armor 
as  well  as  his  Bible."  But  probably  such  enter 
prises  were  deemed  unsuitable  to  his  position  ; 
they  would  certainly  have  interfered  with  his 
appropriate  duties,  required  most  wherever  was 
the  largest  portion  of  the  company. 

It  belongs  to  the  history  of  the  colony,  and  not 
to  this  narrative,  to  mark  the  minute  particulars  of 
these  explorations.  Yet,  who  felt  in  them  all  a 
deeper  interest,  or  a  more  anxious  concern  as  to 
the  hazardous  exposures  and  the  final  result,  than 
their  Elder] 

Among  the  providential  incidents  connected  with 
these  expeditions,  was  the  discovery  of  corn ;  which, 
otherwise,  could  not  have  been  obtained ;  and  which, 
as  seed  for  the  next  spring's  planting,  proved  to  be 
the  means  of  preserving  the  colony  from  perishing 
by  famine.  This  they  gratefully  acknowledged. 
And  on  the  first  opportunity,  about  six  months 
after,  they  repaid  the  natives  to  their  full  satisfac 
tion,  and  secured  thereby  their  respect  and  confi 
dence. 

During  the  absence  of  this  latter  exploring  party, 
there  was  born  on  board  the  Mayflower,  a  son  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  White,  the  first-born  child  of  the 
colony,  and  they  called  him  Peregrine,  a  stranger, 
or  icanderer ;  and  on  Monday,  Dec.  4th,  died 
Edward  Thompson,  a  servant  of  Mr.  White,  being 
the  first  death  since  their  arrival. 

On  the  next  day  was  a  narrow  escape  from  ex- 


INCIDENT;  FOURTH  SABBATH;  THIRD  EXPLORATION.  235 

plosion.  A  son  of  the  Billington  family  (not  from 
Ley  den,  but  of  London)  mischievously  found  his 
way  to  the  powder,  in  the  absence  of  his  father, 
there  making  squibs,  discharging  pieces,  one  even 
in  his  father's  cabin,  where  was  powder  in  cask, 
and  scattered  around  with  flints  and  iron,  while  the 
fire  between  decks  was  also  within  a  few  feet,  and 
many  people  near,  and  yet  all  were  mercifully  pre 
served.9 

The  latter  exploring  party  having  made  their 
report,  a  full  discussion  followed  as  to  place  for 
settlement.  Different  locations  were  advocated, 
particularly  the  one  last  discovered ;  but  no  one, 
yet  seen  or  known,  proved  satisfactory  to  the  ma 
jority,  pressing,  even,  as  were  all  the  circumstances 
for  a  speedy  decision.  Accordingly,  another  expe 
dition  was  determined  upon,  to  explore  the  whole 
remaining  circuit  of  Cape  Cod  Bay. 

Another  Sabbath  intervened,  the  fourth  since 
their  ship  had  been  moored  in  the  Cape  Harbor, 
and  all  were  again  on  board,  resting  and  profiting 
by  that  holy  day. 

By  the  sixth  of  December  was  the  third  explor 
ing  expedition  ready.  Organized,  armed,  and  fitted 
out  in  their  shallop,  they  set  forth,  ten  of  them 
selves  and  two  of  their  own  seamen,  with  the  two 
master's  mates,  the  master  gunner,  and  three  sail 
ors,  of  the  ship's  company.10 

With  difficulty,  and  late  in  the  day.  did  they 

9  Bradford,  in  Young,  p.  148.  10  Ibid.,  p.  149. 


236  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

clear  from  the  harbor.  Chilly  and  baffling  winds, 
with  a  rough  sea,  caused  sore  sickness  with  some, 
and  frozen  garments  upon  all.  Getting  under  the 
weather  shore,  they  skirted  down  the  coast,  and 
discovered  the  bay  of  Wellfleet.  Crossing  its 
mouth,  and  drawing  near  to  the  shore,  they  espied 
Indians,  who  fled  at  their  approach.  Landing, 
after  much  trouble,  they  prepared  their  barricade, 
fire,  and  food,  set  their  sentinels,  and  reposed  for 
the  night.  The  following  day  the  bay  was  sounded, 
the  adjacent  land  explored,  with  success  similar  to 
that  of  their  previous  explorations.  And  again, 
the  second  night,  they  constructed  their  barricade, 
kindled  their  fire,  and  with  weary  limbs  betook 
themselves  to  rest.  Near  midnight  the  sentinel's 
cry  was  heard — "  Arm !  arm !"  Aroused  and  stand 
ing  to  their  arms,  one  or  two  pieces  being  dis 
charged,  they  heard  no  more,  and  concluded  that 
what  they  heard  was  the  howl  of  wild  beasts. 

At  earliest  dawn,  and  after  prayer,  while  preparing 
their  morning  meal,  suddenly  they  heard  again  the 
strange  though  varied  cry.  It  was  the  battle  cry, 
the  "hideous  yell,"  the  savage  warwhoop — by  them 
heard  for  the  first  time.  Immediately  was  raised 
the  alarm — "  Indians !  Indians  !"  So'me  seized 
their  arms  ready  at  hand,  and  discharged  them, 
defending  the  barricade.  Others  ran  for  theirs  to 
the  shallop,  when  the  foe,  wheeling  upon  them, 
sent  thick  and  fast  among  them  the  flying  arrows. 
For  their  relief,  the  mail-clad  men  rushed  forth, 
cutlass  in  hand,  and  presently  those  that  ran  for 


FIRST  ENCOUNTER;    SERIES  OF  PERILS.         237 

their  muskets  came  up,  discharging  them  in  return. 
The  Indians  soon  recoiled.  One  alone,  more  bold 
than  his  fellows,  still  launched  forth  his  arrows 
from  behind  a  tree,  standing  three  shots  from  the 
aimed  musket,  till  one  shivered  the  tree's  side 
about  his  ears,  when,  with  a  shriek,  he  fled.  The 
foe,  thus  foiled,  retreated,  and  soon  was  out  of  sight. 
Thus  delivered  from  their  savage  assailants,  and 
providentially  preserved  even  from  wounds,  with 
only  some  coats  pierced  with  arrows,  the  exploring 
party  returned  solemn  thanks  and  praise  to  God 
for  their  deliverance. 

They  named  the  place  "  the  First  Encounter."11 
Then  taking  to  their  shallop,  they  proceeded  on 
their  expedition,  coasting  along  the  whole  southern 
portion  of  the  bay,  but  discovering  no  good  harbor. 
The  air  in  the  mean  time  became  thick  with  snow 
and  rain.  Being  informed  by  the  pilot  of  a  good 
haven  further  onward,  on  the  northwestern  side, 
which  could  be  reached  before  night,  they  pressed 
forward,  the  wind  and  storm  increasing.  At  length, 
the  sea  running  high,  their  rudder-hinges  broke, 
and  they  were  obliged,  though  with  difficulty,  to 
guide  their  disabled  craft  with  oars.  Night  was 
coming  on,  and  the  storm  still  increasing,  yet  the 
pilot  bid  them  be  of  good  cheer — he  saw  the  harbor. 
Bearing  what  sail  they  could,  to  enter  ere  it  was 
dark,  their  mast  gave  way  and  broke  in  pieces,  and 
their  sail  went  overboard.  All  were  now  in  peril. 

11  Bradford,  pp.  84,  87,  and  in  Young,  158,  159. 


238  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Still,  mercifully  spared,  they  recovered  themselves, 
and  the  flood  being  with  them,  they  pressed  for 
the  entrance.  Entering,  and  bearing  northward, 
the  pilot  discovered  new  dangers,  and  exclaimed, 
"  The  Lord  be  merciful !  my  eyes  never  saw  this 
place  before."  Running  towards  shore,  with  a 
cove  full  of  breakers  before  them,  the  lusty  steers 
man  "called  to  the  rowers  to  about  with  her  if 
they  were  men,  else  they  were  all  cast  away."  This 
quickly  done,  he  bade  them  row  lustily,  with  good 
heart,  for  a  fair  sound  was  before  them.  Entering 
that,  though  dark  and  rainy,  they  bore  up  under 
the  lea  of  a  small  island,  where  their  disabled  shal 
lop  rode  out  the  night  in  safety. 

But  we  pause  not  here.  The  exploring  party, 
having  moored  their  little  barque,  were  now  suffer 
ing  from  wet  and  cold,  with  no  means  of  relief. 
While  some  feared  to  go  on  shore,  lest  they  should 
fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Indians,  others,  weak, 
and  not  able  to  continue  as  they  were,  took  to  the 
land  and  kindled  a  fire,  where,  at  length,  their 
companions  joined  them,  forced  to  follow  by  the 
piercing  wind,  changed  to  the  cold  northwest. 

Here,  the  next  morning,  the  sun  rose  upon 
them  in  brightness,  and  they  were  comforted  and 
cheered,  in  contrast  with  the  suffering  and  dangers 
of  the  last  day  and  night.  Finding  themselves  to 
be  on  an  island,  secure  from  the  Indians,  they 
dried  their  clothing,  put  in  order  their  pieces,  re 
freshed  themselves,  and  rested,  giving  thanks  to 
their  Almighty  Deliverer  for  his  continued  mercies. 


GRATEFUL  FOR  DELIVERANCE;    FIFTH  SABBATH.       229 

And  this  being  the  last  day  of  the  week,  they  pre 
pared  here  to  keep  the  Sabbath. 

The  Sabbath  came ;  it  was  the  fifth  to  the  pil 
grim  band  in  the  New  World.      And  while  the 

o 

main  portion  of  their  company  was  with  the  Elder 
on  board  the  Mayflower  at  the  Cape,  this  exploring 
party,  now  separated  for  the  first  time  from  their 
brethren  on  the  Lord's  day,  here,  among  this  island's 
forest  trees,  offered  their  prayers  and  praises  to  the 
same  Almighty  Father,  Deliverer,  and  Guide. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

"  They  little  thought  how  pure  a  light, 

With  years,  should  gather  round  that  day  ; 
How  love  should  keep  their  memories  bright, 

How  wide  a  realm  their  sons  should  sway.'' — BRYANT. 

WE  left  the  last  exploring  party  on  the  little 
islet,  afterwards  named  Clark's  Island.  On  the 
next  clay,  sounding  the  harbor  into  which  they 
had  entered  with  so  much  peril,  and  finding  it 
fitted  for  shipping,  they  landed  on  the  main  shore 
of  the  inner  bay. 

It  was  on  the  ll^A  of  December,  old  style,  or  the 
2lst,  new  style — a  day  since  made  memorable  from 
that  event  in  the  annals  of  Xew  England. 

Examining  the  main  shore,  they  judged  it  to  be 
suitable  for  their  settlement,  the  best  that  they 
could  find,  and  which  the  advanced  season  and 
their  present  necessities  made  them  glad  to  accept. 
Returning,  therefore,  across  the  broad  bay,  they 
brought  to  their  companions  the  encouraging  news 
of  their  discovery. 

And  now  all  were  again  on  board  of  the  May 
flower,  in  the  harbor  of  Cape  Cod.  The  report  of 
this  last  exploring  expedition  was  received.  It 
brought  comfort  to  all  the  pilgrim  company.  But 


THE  PILGRIMS  ARRIVE  IN  PLYMOUTH  BAY.      241 

sorrow  had  also  come  to  the  heart  of  at  least  one 
of  those  brave  explorers.  The  wife  of  William 
Bradford,  soon  after  his  departure  on  this  expedi 
tion,  had  fallen  overboard,  and  was  drowned.  Two 
others  also  had  been  taken  from  the  emigrant 
company. 

Prompt  to  act  on  the  information  received,  on 
the  15th  of  the  month  (old  style),  they  weighed 
anchor,  and  the  ship  was  under  sail  for  their 
newly  discovered  port;  but,  before  arriving,  ad 
verse  winds  forced  them  back. 

The  next  day,  Saturday  the  16th,  they  sailed 
again,  and  ere  night  they  were  in  their  intended 
haven.  It  was  just  five  weeks  from  the  day  of 
their  arrival  and  the  signing  of  their  compact  in 
the  harbor  of  the  Cape.  And  to  them  what  a 
period  of  anxiety,  of  trial  of  faith,  and  of  enduring 
effort,  had  these  last  five  weeks  been ! 

Now  arrived,  and  safely  moored  in  their  new 
location,  they  saw  around  them  a  bay,  hook- shaped, 
and  larger  than  that  at  the  Cape,  which  they  had 
just  left,  and  in  it  two  fair  islands,  wooded  and 
uninhabited.  On  the  mainland,  on  the  hills  and 
in  the  vales,  were  seen  the  tall  oak,  the  pine,  the 
beech,  walnut,  with  other  trees  of  the  forest  to 
them  as  yet  unknown ;  and  there  was  also,  to  ap 
pearance,  a  kindly  soil.  No  wonder  that  they, 
wanderers,  storm-tossed,  long  wearied  and  worn, 
should  look  upon  that  which  was  before  them  as 
"a  most  hopeful  place,"  "a  goodly  land."  But 

16 


242  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

night  soon  closed  in  upon  them.  The  following 
day  was  the  Sabbath,  their  sixth  in  New  England, 
and  the  first  in  their  new  home;  where  newly 
awakened  emotions,  and  thoughts  of  deep  interest, 
must  have  been  felt  by  each  worshipper,  and 
marked  the  address  of  their  elder. 

On  Monday,  portions  of  the  company  landed, 
perhaps  on  the  same  rock  (the  now  far-famed, 
though  diminished,  Plymouth  rock),  whereon  the 
discovering  party  had  set  foot  on  the  previous 
Monday,  Marching  along  the  main  land,  armed, 
and  in  order  of  defence,  they  discovered  no  Indians, 
or  Indian  habitations,  but  forests  extending  inland, 
and  open  grounds  and  fields  near  shore,  where  in 
habitants  had  lived  and  planted  corn.  Searching 
for  a  place  for  settlement,  they  found  no  navigable 
stream  as  desired  ;  but  saw  running  brooks,  fresh 
and  sweet,  and  soil  of  various  kinds,  in  some  places 
rich,  in  others,  clay,  sand,  and  gravel;  also,  fruit 
trees,  vines,  and  berries.  But  over  all  was  the 
dreary  garb  of  winter. 

Again,  the  next  day,  as  the  point  of  location  in 
respect  to  soil,  navigation,  and  defence,  was  im 
portant,  they  searched  further,  some  by  water  and 
some  by  land,  in  a  northwesterly  course,  for  the 
desired  place.  Coming  to  a  beatable  stream,  which 
they  entered  and  named  after  their  ship's  captain, 
Jones'  River,  they  found  on  its  borders  a  location 
more  desirable  than  the  one  explored  the  day  pre 
vious  ;  but  on  reflection  it  was  deemed  to  be  too 


PLACE  OF  SETTLEMENT  SELECTED.  243 

far  inland  and  exposed  to  be  occupied  in  their  pre 
sent  weak  condition.  Next,  at  the  desire  of  some, 
crossing  the  harbor  to  the  island  first  discovered, 
they  examined  also  its  suitableness  for  their  pur 
pose.  But  returning  on  board  again  at  night,  still 
undecided,  they  resolved  that  on  the  next  morning, 
after  some  further  examination,  the  matter  of 
location  should  be  determined.  There  was  no 
time  for  delay. 

Accordingly,  on  Wednesday,  the  20th,  aft^er 
solemnly  invoking  the  guidance  of  the  Most  High, 
they  repaired  again  to  the  main  land  ;  and  after  a 
brief  scrutiny,  determined  on  the  place  by  a  ma 
jority  of  voices.  It  was  that  first  explored,  and 
on  the  high  ground  facing  the  bay  ;  "  where  (says 
one  of  them)  are  cleared  lands,  delicate  springs, 
and  a  sweet  brook  running  under  the  hill-side,  with 
fish  in  their  season ;  where  we  may  harbor  our 
shallops  and  boats.  On  the  further  side  is  much 
corn  ground."  Near  at  hand  ci  is  a  high  hill,  on 
which  to  plant  our  ordnance.  Thence  we  may  see 
into  the  bay,  and  far  out  at  sea,  and  have  a  glimpse 
of  the  distant  cape.  Our  greatest  labor  will  be 
the  bringing  of  wood.  What  people  inhabit  here 
wTe  know  not,  as  we  have  yet  seen  none."  And 
this  was  to  be  New  Plymouth. 

On  the  ground,  therefore,  now  selected,  they  im 
mediately  made  their  rendezvous,  not  far  from 
their  first  landing-place,  "leaving  some  twenty 
of  their  people  that  very  night,  and  resolved  in 
the  morning  that  all  should  come  on  shore  and 


244  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

build."1  Each  day  was  important.  But  disap 
pointments  and  hindrances  in  the  advance  of  winter 
must  naturally  be  expected.  Storms  and  tempests 
followed.  Sad  were  the  exposures  during  the  two 
following  days  and  nights,  of  the  poorly  protected 
ones  on  shore,  while  no  little  anxiety  was  felt  by 
those  on  shipboard. 

December  the  23d,  the  storms  ceasing,  they  com 
menced,  and  henceforward  urgently  carried  on,  as 
weather  would  permit,  their  toilsome  work  of 
building.  All  were  in  earnest :  they  came  on 
shore ;  they  felled  trees ;  they  hewed ;  they  sawed  ; 
they  rived;  they  carried  ;  each  laboring  according 
to  his  skill  and  ability. 

First  was  prepared  their  common  house  for 
rendezvous,  and  in  which  to  store  their  goods. 
There  was  a  street  projected  eastward  from  the 
hill  towards  their  landing-place.  On  each  side  of 
this,  were  building  plats  laid  off,  and  drawn  for 
by  lot.2  Next  were  foundations  laid,  and  the  work 
pressed  forward,  each  for  his  own  dwelling.  The 
holy  Sabbath  was  the  only  day  of  rest ;  and  this 
was  often  interrupted  by  alarms  of  savages,  and 
the  frequent  flying  to  arms.  Christmas  came  and 
went  with  no  relaxation  from  labor,  no  kind  cheer 
to  greet  them.  Cold  water  only  was  their  drink  ; 
and  not  till  after  the  day's  toil,  and  an  alarm-cry 

1  Bradford     and    Winslow,    in        2  Bradford     and     Winslow    in 
Young,  pp.  166,  168.      Precisely    Young,  p.  173. 
when  the  name  was  given  to  the 
settlement,  we  cannot  discover. 


EXPOSED  CONDITION;    SEVERE  LABORS.  245 

of  "  Indians !"  was  it,  that  even  on  that  day,  to  a 
portion  of  them  returning  on  board,  did  the  captain 
distribute  some  beer,  but  none  to  those  on  shore. 

Next  was  constructed  the  rude  platform  for 
their  ordnance  on  the  after-named  fort,  or  "  Burial 
Hill." 

To  lessen,  as  far  as  possible,  the  number  of 
dwellings  to  be  constructed,  all  were  apportioned 
or  arranged  in  nineteen  families.  It  was  also  de 
termined  that  every  man  should  build  his  own 
habitation. 

Thus  urged  on  by  their  own  exposed  condition, 
and  by  reason  of  the  shortness  of  time  that  the 
ship  could  remain  with  them,  day  after  day,  and 
week  after  week,  did  they  work  as  they  could — 
work  as  for  life;  or  worse  consequences  would 
follow.3 

Besides,  in  this  work,  all  must  be  done  with 
their  own  hands — by  their  own  bodily  strength. 
No  ox  had  they,  no  horse,  no  beast  of  burden,  to 
relieve  from  the  most  oppressive  labors.  The 
materials  must  be  gathered  wherever  they  could 
be  found,  and  no  small  portion  of  them  from  very 
inconvenient  distances. 

Such  were  some  of  the  labors  and  hardships  of 
this  people  in  commencing  their  new  settlement. 

And  was  the  "Elder,"  by  reason  of  his  position, 
freed  from  any  of  these  labors'?  It  appears  not. 
As  he  had  been  "first"  and  "forwardest"  in  their 

3  Bradford  and  Winslow,  in  Young,  pp.  169,  170. 


246  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

adventures,  and  suffered  the  greatest  loss  while  in 
England,  and  "  had  endured  equal  hardships  with 
them  in  Holland,"  so  in  this  wilderness,  he  bore  his 
part  in  weal  and  woe  with  this  poor  people.  On 
removing  into  this  country,  "  he  was  in  no  way  un 
willing  to  take  his  part,  and  to  bear  his  burden 
with  the  rest,"4  To  the  agreement  "that  every 
man  should  build  his  own  house,"  no  exception 
was  made  in  favor  of  the  Elder. 

His  own  family,  as  it  came  in  the  Mayflower, 
consisted  of  himself,  Mrs.  Brewster,  and  two  young 
sons,  Love  and  Wrestling,  and  two  boys  placed 
with  him  by  the  name  of  Moore5  (the  remainder 
of  them  being  still  in  England  or  Holland).  With 
the  aid  of  these  youths,  it  would  seem  (and  with 
such  additional  assistance  as  might  be  obtained 
from  some  others  more  skilled  in  the  work),  he 
erected  his  own  dwelling. 

Nor  should  the  fact"  be  omitted  that  no  income 
appears  to  have  been  received  by  him  from  the 
people.  Literally  true,  in  his  case,  were  the  words 
of  an  apostle,  "  these  hands  have  ministered  to  my 
necessities,  and  to  them  that  were  with  me." 

Added  to  all  this,  were  his  constant  and  efficient 
labors  on  the  Lord's  day.  Emphatically  is  it  said 
of  him  that,  in  this,  he  did  more  in  a  few  years 
than  do  many  in  all  their  lives.6 

But  sorer,  sadder  trials  than  any  yet  mentioned, 


Bradford,  412,  413,  and  in  Young,  465,  & 
See  both  Appendixes,  Brad.,  pp.  447,  451 
Bradford,  p.  413. 


SICKNESSES;    DEATHS;    EXTREME  TRIALS.       247 

had  their  Elder  and  his  companions  now  to 
endure.  From  exposures  to  wet  and  cold,  amid 
frequent  storms  while  on  the  cape,  and  equal,  if  not 
greater  exposures  in  their  labors  here,  and  likewise 
from  want  of  suitable  dwellings  and  healthful  food, 
sickness  had  begun  to  make  fearful  ravages  in  the 
ranks  of  the  pilgrim  company.  Commencing 
almost  from  the  time  of  their  landing,  and  increas 
ing,  under  various  forms,  for  nearly  three  months, 
it  became  general,  and  its  effects  alarmingly  fatal. 
In  the  chief  extremity,  "the  living  were  scarce 
able  to  bury  the  dead ;  the  well  not  sufficient  to 
attend  upon  the  sick ;  seven  only  remained  in 
health."  Of  these  seven,  the  record  distinguishes, 
along  with  the  brave  and  hardy  Miles  Standish, 
their  revered  Elder  Brewster.  "Tender-hearted 
and  compassionate  to  the  afflicted,  as  a  nursing 
father  he  shrunk  not  from  the  most  self-denying 
offices."  Touchingly  does  Bradford  allude  to  them, 
"  as  sparing  no  pains  night  or  day,  but,  with  abund 
ance  of  toil  and  hazard  of  their  own  health,  they 
brought  for  the  sick  their  wood,  made  their  fires, 
dressed  their  meat,  made  their  beds,  clothed  and 
unclothed  them ;  in  a  word,  did  all  homely  and 
necessary  offices  for  them,  which  the  dainty  cannot 
endure  to  hear  named;  and  all  this  willingly  and 
cheerfully,  showing  herein  their  true  love  unto 
their  brethren ;  unto  whom  myself,  with  the  others," 
he  adds,  "  were  mercifully  beholden  in  our  low  and 
sick  condition.  Yet  these  were  preserved  without 
any  infection." 


248  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

During  this  period,  including  Mrs.  Bradford, 
who  was  drowned,  there  died  in  December,  six; 
in  January,  eight;  in  February,  seventeen;  in 
March,  thirteen;  and  before  the  close  of  Spring, 
six  others,  among  whom,  to  their  great  sorrow, 
were  their  first  governor,  Mr.  Carver,  and  his  wife ; 
in  all  fifty,  just  one-half  si  the  emigrant  band  that 
arrived  in  the  Mayflower  on  the  llth  of  November.7 

In  the  time  of  their  greatest  mortality,  two  or 
three  died  in  a  day.  Faithful,  patient,  noble- 
hearted  women,  weakened  by  deprivations  and 
suffering,  some  in  the  bloom  of  life,  yielded  to  the 
fatal  maladies,  and  often  in  the  triumphs  of  faith. 
Ere  the  return  of  their  ship  to  England,  Bradford, 
Standish,  Allerton,  and  Winslow,  were  left  widowers. 

And  what  must  have  been  the  Elder's  feelings 
as  he  beheld  the  sufferings  and  sad  diminishing  of 
his  little  flock]  What  the  deep  workings  of 
thought,  trials  of  faith,  and  continued  purpose  of 
himself  and  companions,  during  this  fearful 
period!  Would  we  reach  the  nature  and  depth 
of  those  struggling  thoughts,  or  give  utterance  to 
those  feelings  and  purposes,  we  must  take  the  pre 
ceding  facts,  and,  pondering  them  deeply  and  with 

7  Bradford,  91,  and  notes ;  also  Whose  death  -was  much  lament- 
in  Young  and  Prince.  "  In  this  ed,  and  caused  great  heaviness 
month  of  April  came  Governor  amongst  them,  as  there  was  cause. 
Carver  out  of  the  field  sick.  He  He  was  buried  in  the  best  manner 
complained  greatly  of  his  head,  they  could,  with  some  volleys  of 
and  lay  down,  and  within  a  few  shot  by  all  that  bore  arms.'' — 
hours  his  senses  failed,  so  as  he  Brad.,  101. 
never  spoke  more  till  he  died. 


DEEP  WORKINGS  OF  THOUGHT  EXPRESSED.       249 

a  soul  tried  by  a  like  ordeal,  go  in  mind  to  the 
place,  and  fix  the  attention  upon  some  one  of 
those  most  trying  scenes  through  which  he  was 
called  to  pass.  Let  it  be  (says  one),  near  the 
close  of  their  first  spring  month.8  A  diminished 
procession  of  the  pilgrims  is  seen  coming  from  the 
abode  and  following  the  remains  of  another  of 
their  most  dearly  beloved  and  newly  dead  to  that 
bank  of  graves  where  was  buried  what  was 
mortal  of  their  dear  departed  ones  during  the  first 
year,  and  near  the  place  where  their  feet  first  trod 
this  soil.  Here  they  pause  to  take  the  last  look. 
The  Mayflower  is  still  riding  at  anchor  full  in 
view,  but  soon  to  sail  to  their  fatherland,  and 
leave  them  alone,  the  living  and  the  dead,  to  the 
weal  and  woe  of  their  new  home.  The  afflicted 
and  bereaved  gather  around  their  venerated  Elder, 
dearer  to  them  now  than  ever.  They  listen  to  his 
voice,  subdued  yet  animated  by  firm  faith  and 
hope,  whilst,  in  tones  that  reach  hearts  as  noble 
as  his  own,  he  gives  utterance  to  his  struggling 
emotions :  " ;  Man  is  altogether  vanity.'9  He 
passeth  away  as  a  shadow.  His  only  true  home 
is  Heaven.  Strangers  and  pilgrims  indeed  are  we 
on  the  earth.  Still  the  spot  on  which  we  stand,  this 
shore,  this  now  familiar  scene,  this  whole  land, 
becomes  dearer  daily,  were  it  only  for  the  precious 

8  Partly  in  the  words   of    the        9  The  Elder's  own  motto, 
pilgrims   themselvres,    and   partly 
in  those  of  one  of  New  England's 
gifted  sons,  at  Plymouth. 


250  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

dust  which  we  have  here  committed  to  its  bosom. 
Here,  rather  than  elsewhere,  would  I  sleep  when 
my  own  hour  shall  come.  Here  would  I  have  my 
body  repose,  with  these  endeared  ones  who  have 
shared  in  our  exceeding  labors,  and  whose  burdens 
are  now  unloosed  forever.  I  would  be  near  them 
in  the  last  day,  and  have  a  part  in  their  resurrec 
tion. 

"  Fearful,  indeed,  has  been  our  loss.  Unutterable 
and  long  has  been  our  anguish ;  many  our  mingled 
agonies,  tears,  and  prayers.  Our  departed  ones 
are  at  rest.  For  some  divine  purpose  we  yet 
remain.  It  is  on  my  mind  that  the  darkest  of  our 
night  is  past;  the  morning  is  at  hand.  The 
dreary  winter  is  departing;  the  balmy  breath  of 
spring  is  returning.  The  sore  sickness  is  stayed.10 
Thankful  to  Almighty  God  should  we  be  that  our 
case  is  not  worse,  that  so  many  of  our  number  yet 
live,  and  among  them  some  of  our  best  and  wisest. 

"  Cheering  is  the  fact,  that  among  you  all,  the 
living  and  the  dead,  not  one,  even  when  disease 
had  seized  him,  and  sharp  anguish  had  made  his 
heart  as  that  of  a  little  child,  not  one  repented  of 
the  step  we  took,  or  desired,  yea,  could  have  been 
persuaded  to  go  back  by  yonder  ship  to  their  former 
homes.  Evident  is  it  to  me,  that  it  is  our  Master's 
will  that  we  stand  or  fall  here.  Our  very  condi 
tion  was  not  unthought  of  even  in  Holland.  And 
in  our  heaviest  trials  has  not  the  Divine  Presence 
been  with  us]  Did  not  His  providential  hand 

10  Bradford,  p.  90. 


FAITH  AND  HOPE  IN  THE  DARKEST  HOUR.       251 

open  for  us  the  way  through  every  difficulty  I  In 
tli at  bitterest  hour  of  embarkation,  did  we  not  see 
His  bow  in  the  cloud,  the  bright  bow  of  promise 
and  hope,  whose  arch  spanned  for  us  the  broad 
ocean,  and  is  over  us  still  I  Wherefore  let  us 
stand  in  our  lot.  We  believe  this  movement  to 
be  from  Him.  If  he  prosper  us,  we  shall  be  the 
means  of  planting  here  a  Christian  colony  and  a 
pure  church,  as  we  believe,  in  this  vast  wilderness, 
and  of  extending  hence  its  precious  blessings  to 
these  savage  heathen. 

"  Blessed  will  it  be  for  us,  blessed  for  this  land, 
for  this  vast  continent !  Nay,  from  generation  to 
generation  will  the  blessing  descend.  Generations 
to  come  shall  look  back  to  this  hour,  and  these 
scenes  of  agonizing  trial,  this  day  of  small  things, 
and  say,  'Here  was  our  beginning  as  a  people. 
These  were  our  fathers.  Through  their  trials  we 
inherit  our  blessings.  Their  faith  is  our  faith ; 
their  hope  our  hope ;  their  God  our  God.'  The 
prospect  brightens  before  me ;  it  ends  not  on 
earth  ;  it  enters  heaven  !  Let  us  go  hence,  then, 
to  work  with  our  might,  that  which  we  have  to 
do.  No  small  undertaking  is  it,  that  we  have  in 
hand.  The  opportunity  for  working  will .  soon  be 
past,  and  we  shall  be  called  to  our  account,  and,  if 
faithful,  to  our  reward."11 


11  In  Young,  pp.  87,  241.  Do.  do.  Company  said,  "  The  thing  was  of 

do.,  473-4,  268.     Bradford,  p.  51.  God."     Young,  383;  see  also  pp. 

In    Young,  Wins.,  &c.,  272,  382,  59,  60.     Again  in  Young,  95,  47, 

384.     The  Council  of  the  Virginia  121,  246.     "  Let  it  not  be  grievous 


252  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

With  subdued  emotions,  calmly  and  with  firm 
faith,  they  turn  from  those  graves  ;  the  Mayflower 
is  sent  away ;  and  those  men  of  stern  resolve  and 
high  purpose,  press  onward  in  their  incessant  im 
perious  labors. 


to  you,  that  you  have  been  instru-     world's   end."— Letter  from  Ley- 
ments  to  break  the  ice  for  others,     den.     Brad.,  145. 
The  honor  shall  be  yours  to  the 


CHAPTER    XXII. 


Wise  men  ne'er  sit  and  wail  their  loss, 

But  clieerly  seek  how  to  redress  their  harm." 

SHAKSPEARE. 


UNDER  the  appalling  circumstances  which  we 
have  just  been  noticing,  it  is  matter  of  wonder, 
that  with  the  slender  means,  reduced  number,  and 
enfeebled  strength  of  the  colonists,  amid  the  cold 
and  storms  of  winter,  with  attendance  upon  the 
sick  and  dying,  and  due  offices  for  the  dead,  so 
much  should  have  been  accomplished. 

Before  the  close  of  May,  from  the  raw  materials 
of  earth  and  forest,  and  wild  grass  for  thatching, 
gathered  wherever  it  could  be  found,  they  had 
built  their  "  common  house,"  or  "  general  rendez 
vous"  for  goods  and  lodging  ;  a  house  for  the  sick, 
and  two  for  storing  provisions  ;  and  they  had  made 
such  further  progress,  that,  before  the  close  of 
summer,  they  could  look  down  their  newly-formed 
street1  upon  seven  private  dwellings,  completed  and 
occupied,  and  others  in  the  course  of  preparation.2 

And  having  almost  from  the  first  discovered 

1  Now  Leyden  Street. 

2  Bradford  and  Winslow,  in  Young,  pp.  173,  179,  230. 


254:  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Indians  peering  about,  causing  alarm  and  a  pain 
ful  sense  of  insecurity,  they  had  made  provision 
for  defence.  On  the  hill  rising  abruptly  westward 
from  the  head  of  their  street,  to  the  height  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  feet,  they  had  with  much  labor 
constructed  their  platform,  and  with  the  aid  of 
the  Captain  and  his  men  before  the  Mayflower 
sailed,  they  had  brought  on  shore  and  drawn  up 
thither,  their  "  minion,"  or  largest  piece  of  ord 
nance,  and  others  smaller,  and  there  mounted 
them,  to  command  the  harbor,  and  the  entire 
range  of  vale  and  plain  below.  It  was  a  work,  the 
completion  of  which  caused  such  a  feeling  of  grati 
tude  and  relief,  that,  notwithstanding  the  cloud  of 
gloom  that  had  hung  over  them,  it  was  made  the 
occasion  of  a  cheering  feast.3 

Before  the  close  of  May,  likewise,  fields  had 
been  prepared  and  planted ;  twenty  acres  of  Indian 
corn  or  maize,  and  six  of  barley  and  peas ;  while 
at  the  same  time  they  were  compelled  by  hunting 
and  fishing,  and  often  with  poor  success,  to  search 
for  most  of  their  daily  food.4 

Military  order,  too,  had  been  established,  and 
Captain  Standish  called  to  the  command,  with 
orders  to  drill  the  men,  station  guards,  and  nightly 
watch,  and  execute  all  else  that  in  this  department 
might  be  required. 

In  like  manner  had  they  in  general  meetings, 

3  Brad,  and  Winslow,  in  Young,      "  4  Brad. .p.  100,  and  Winslow  in 
181.  Young.  230. 


HOW  MUCH  ALREADY  ACCOMPLISHED.     255 

from  time  to  time,  by  a  majority  of  votes,  estab 
lished  such  "  laws  and  orders  as  they  thought  meet 
for  their  present  condition,  as  a  body  politic" 
under  the  crown  of  England,  and  according  to  the 
compact  entered  into  on  their  first  arrival. 

Moreover,  with  much  labor,  personal  risk,  and 
expenditure  of  means,  had  they  sought  after  and 
kindly  treated  such  native  Indians  as  could  be 
found,  cultivating  friendly  relations  with  them, 
and  removing,  as  fast  as  possible,  their  prejudices 
and  enmities.5 

Such  is  a  part  (it  would  require  many  pages  to 
give  a  detailed  view  of  the  whole),  of  what  this 
small  company  had  accomplished  within  five 
months,  amidst  opposing  elements,  sickness,  and 
death — an  amount  of  bodily  and  mental  labor  in 
their  circumstances  truly  wonderful.  Where  is 
there  a  parallel  ] 

But  their  intercourse  with  the  natives  demands 
a  more  extended  notice.  To  be  the  means,  where- 
ever  they  should  go,  of  carrying,  as  far  as  they 
could,  the  blessings  of  the  Christian  religion,  so 
dear  to  themselves,  to  the  uncivilized  heathen 
Indians,  was  one  of  the  prominent  purposes  of  the 
Elder  and  his  people.  It  was  a  worthy  idea,  con 
ceived  and  long  dwelt  upon  before  they  left  Hol 
land,  and  of  which  they  never  lost  sight.6 

Yet  how  was  this   to    be   done'?     How  reach 


5  See  the  journal  in  Young. 

6  Bradford,  pp.  24,  90,  and  Cushman  in  Young,  pp.  246,  248, 


256  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETVSTER. 

them  amidst  the  prejudices,  oppositions,  and  en 
mities  of  their  savage  state]  The  unprincipled 
and  villanous  conduct  of  certain  captains  and 
seamen  on  the  coast  in  plundering  and  destroying 
some,  and  in  carrying  away  captive  a  number  of 
others,  had  fixed  in  the  breasts  of  these  savages, 
otherwise  unscrupulous,  enmities  too  deep  and 
strong  to  be  easily  overcome.7  This,  in  connection 
probably  with  their  own  propensities  to  war  and 
revenge,  had  caused  the  attack  upon  the  pilgrim 
explorers  on  the  Cape.  Coming  to  the  present 
place  of  settlement,  and  finding  traces  indeed  of 
natives — grounds  once  planted,  but  for  some  time 
deserted,  huts  going  to  decay,  but  no  inhabitants, 
no  possessors  of  the  soil  in  the  whole  neighbor 
hood,  and  having  a  sight  even  of  only  a  few 
transient  wanderers,  or  some  scattered  bands, 
ranging  around  them  at  a  distance,  serving  only 
to  excite  alarm — our  emigrant  company  had  yet 
no  opportunity  of  opening  any  intercourse  with 
them.  Indeed,  this  whole  condition  of  things 
wras  to  themselves  a  matter  of  mystery.8 

It  was  not  until  the  16th  of  March  that  this 
mystery  began  to  be  solved.  Assembled,  on  that 
day,  to  complete  their  military  arrangements,  to 
their  surprise,  a  tall  Indian,  in  his  nude  savage 
state,  with  bow  and  arrows,  came  boldly  along  the 
line  of  their  houses  directly  to  their  rendezvous, 


7  Bradford,  96,  and   in   Young,         s  In  Young,  pp.  170,  171,  179, 
p.  186.  181. 


SAMOSET'S  OPPORTUNE  AND  FRIENDLY  VISIT.     257 

calling  out  in  broken  English,  "Welcome,  English 
men  !  welcome,  Englishmen !"  As  boldly  would 
he  have  entered  their  rendezvous  had  he  not  been 
prevented.  Being  the  first  savage  with  whom 
they  had  spoken,  he,  of  course,  caused  no  little 
excitement.  Free  of  speech,  and  of  seemly 
manners,  to  their  inquiries  as  far  as  each  could 
understand  the  other,  he  answered  that  "  he  was 
not  of  these  parts,"  but  from  "  the  eastward,  one 
day's  sail  with  a  great  wind,  but  five  days  by 
land,"  where  "  Englishmen  came  with  ships  to  fish, 
with  whom  he  was  acquainted,  and  of  whom  he 
had  learned  his  English."  He  signified  to  them 
also  that  he  was  a  Sagamore,  or  a  kind  of  chief 
there,  and  that  his  name  was  Samoset.  He  like 
wise  informed  them  of  the  whole  country  in 
general,  and  of  each  particular  portion,  and  of 
their  sagamores,  number  of  men  and  strength,  that 
the  place  where  they  now  were  was  called  Patuxet, 
and  that  about  four  years  before  all  the  inhabitants 
had  died  of  an  extraordinary  plague,  and  there 
was  neither  man,  woman,  nor  child  remaining; 
therefore  there  were  none  to  claim,  none  to  hinder 
possession  by  the  English.9  He  also  informed 
them  that  it  was  the  people  called  Nausites,  on 
the  Cape,  that  first  assaulted  their  exploring  com 
pany;  that  this  tribe  had  been  incensed  by  the 
English,  and  slain  three  of  Sir  F.  Gorge's  men, 
and  that  one  Capt.  Hunt  had  carried  away  and 


9  Brad,  and  Winslow  in  Young,  pp.  182-186. 
17 


258  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRE\VSTER. 

sold  for  slaves  seven  of  their  men,  and  twenty 
from  this  present  place.  And  (showing  his  know 
ledge  of  what  was  taking  place  around  them),  he 
informed  them  respecting  some  tools  which  some 
of  the  company  had  left  in  the  fields  on  a  late 
alarm,  and  which  had  been  taken  away. 

Deeply  interesting  and  important  to  the  new 
settlers  was  all  this  information.  It  solved  the 
mystery  as  to  what  had  become  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  portion  of  country.  The  facts,  they  after 
wards  learned,  had  before  been  known  in  England. 

With  kindness  did  they  receive  and  entertain 
their  strange  visitor,  setting  before  him  such  food 
as  they  could,  which  they  thought  would  be  most 
acceptable,  and  of  which  he  partook  with  good 
relish.  But  at  night,  as  he  was  not  inclined  to  go, 
who  should  entertain  the  nude  Indian  guest  in  his 
family,  was  a  delicate  question.  At  length  disposed 
of,  the  next  day,  with  presents,  and  promising  to 
come  again  and  bring  others  to  trade  with  them, 
he  departed.  And  Samoset,  as  good  as  his  word, 
returned  the  day  after,  with  five  other  tall  Indian 
men,  with  painted  faces,  clad  in  skins  of  the  deer 
and  the  wild-cat,  with  feathers  standing  up  fan-like 
in  their  hair,  and  other  like  strange  appendages. 
These  also  were  kindly  received;  and  partaking 
heartily  of  the  food  provided,  gave  tokens  of  readi 
ness  for  social  acquaintance,  singing  and  dancing 
after  their  manner.  Yet  it  being  Sunday,  and 
there  being  no  trading  on  that  day,  they  were 
kindly  dismissed,  as  they  best  could  be,  with  pre- 


OTHER  INDIANS;    INDIAN  POW  \VOTT.  259 

sents,  and  military  attendance  for  a  short  distance, 
by  way  of  distinction,  for  which  they  returned 
thanks,  and  departed,  glad,  and  promising  to  come 
again.  Still  Samoset  would  tarry.10  On  the  third 
day,  those  Indians  not  returning,  Samoset  was  re 
quested  to  go  for  them.  On  the  same  day  appeared 
armed  savages,  in  threatening  attitude,  on  a  neigh 
boring  hill,  causing  much  arlarm. 

Previously,  and  unknown  to  the  colonists  at  the 
time,  a  great  assembly,  or  "powwow,"  of  Indian 
conjurers  from  all  the  country,  had  been  held  for 
three  days  in  a  dark  dismal  swamp,  in  order  to 
curse  and  execrate,  according  to  their  savage  rites, 
and  in  their  most  horrid  manner,  the  settlers  of 
New  Plymouth. 

Samoset  returning,  brought  with  him  three 
other  Indians,  one  of  them  named  Tisquantum  or 
Squanto.  He,  the  only  remaining  native  of  the 
place  they  now  occupied,  had  been  one  of  those 
twenty  taken  and  carried  away  captive  by  Capt. 
Hunt.  Released,  and  after  dwelling  for  a  time  in 
England,  where  he  had  learned  some  English,  he 
had,  not  long  before,  by  various  ways,  returned  to 
this  his  native  soil.  Of  more  immediate  and  spe 
cial  consequence  to  the  new  colonists  than  they 
could  be  aware,  was  the  visit  of  these  two  Indians 
(Samoset  and  Tisquantum)  at  the  present  time. 
This  the  train  of  events  will  soon  show. 

Assembled  on  that  same  day,  March  22d.  for 

10  In  Young,  187,  189. 


260  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

their  public  business,  the  governor  and  company 
were  informed,  by  Samoset  and  Tisquantum  (both 
able  to  aid  as  interpreters),  that  the  great  Sagamore 
Massasoit,  King  of  all  the  bordering  Indians,  with 
his  brother,  Quadequina,  and  all  their  train  of 
attendants,  were  near  at  hand. 

An  hour  after,  King  Massasoit  appeared  on  the 
hill  over  against  them,  with  a  train  of  sixty-  war 
riors.  The  pilgrim  company  unwilling  to  send 
their  governor  to  them,  and  they  unwilling  to 
come  to  him,  Tisquantum  was  dispatched  with  a 
message  of  inquiry  respecting  their  desire  and  pur 
pose.  Answer  was  returned  that  the  King  desired 
some  one  to  be  sent  for  a  parley.  The  dignified 
and  courtly  Winslow  was  dispatched,  with  refresh 
ments,  and  presents,  and  a  message  to  King  Mas 
sasoit  and  brother,  that  King  James  saluted  Mas 
sasoit  with  words  of  love  and  peace,  and  would 
receive  him  as  a  friend  and  ally;  also  that  the 
governor  desired  to  see  him.  to  confirm  a  peace 
with  him,  and  to  trade  with  him  as  his  next 
neighbor. 

King  Massasoit,  pleased  with  the  message, 
though  imperfectly  interpreted,  and  receiving  the 
presents  and  partaking  of  the  refreshments  with 
his  company,  retained  Mr.  Winslow  in  the  custody 
of  his  brother  (hostages  having  been  previously 
retained  by  the  governor  for  his  safety),  and  with 
twenty  of  his  men,  unarmed,  descended  the  hill, 
and  advanced  to  the  stream  between  them  and  the 
New  Town.  There  met  by  Capt.  Standish,  with 


KING  MA-SAS-0-IT;    RECEPTION  AND  TREATY.        261 

a  small  band  of  musketeers,  who  saluted  him,  and 
he  them,  they  passed  the  stream,  and  were  escorted 
to  the  house  prepared  for  their  reception. 

Here  had  been  placed  a  green  rug  and  cushions 
as  seats  of  state.  Immediately  the  governor  ar 
rived  with  drum,  trumpets,  and  musketeers.  The 
parties  saluted  each  other,  the  governor  kissing 
the  King's  hand,  and  the  King  kissing  him.  Both 
being  seated,  and  refreshments  ordered,  the  gover 
nor,  in  due  state  ceremony,  drank  to  him,  and  he 
heartily,  in  return,  to  the  governor.  Next,  after 
partaking  of  some  meat,  and  the  King  also  giving 
of  the  same  to  his  attendants,  the  parties  treat  of 
peace  and  an  alliance.  Simple  in  word  and  form 
was  the  treaty ;  the  work  of  a  few  hours,  the  first 
of  the  kind  in  New  England.  And  worthy  was  it 
of  the  parties  concerned ;  and  to  both  did  it  long 
continue  a  source  of  mutual  blessing.11 

The  treaty  being  concluded,  and  the  ceremony 
ended,  the  governor  conducted  the  King  back  to 

11  Articles  of  this  Treaty  : —  against  him,  we  would  aid  him  ; 

1st.  That  neither  the  King,  nor  if    any   did  war  against    us,   he 

any  of  his,  should  injure  or  do  should  aid  us. 

hurt  to  any  of  our  people.  5th.  He    should    send    to    his 

2d.  That  if  any  of  his  did  any-  neighboring  confederates  to  certify 

hurt  to  any  of  ours,  he   should  them  of  this,  that  they  might  not 

send  the  offender  that  we  might  wrong  us,  but  might  be  likewise 

punish  him.  comprised    in    the   conditions   of 

3d.  That  if  anything  was  taken  peace. 

from  any  of  ours,  he  should  cause  6th.  That  when  their  men  come 

it  to  be  restored,  and  we  would  do  to    us,   they  should  leave   their 

the  like  to  his.  bows  and  arrows  behind  them. — 

4th.  If  any   did  unjustly  war  Bradford,  94. 


262  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

the  brook,  when  they  embraced  each  other,  and 
the  King  departed. 

But  all  did  not  end  here.  Word  arrived  that 
the  King's  brother,  Quadequina,  was  coming  with 
his  attendants.  Accordingly,  he  too  was  received, 
and  conducted  to  the  place  of  reception,  and  en 
tertained  in  like  manner.  He  was  a  young  man, 
well-formed,  tall,  of  a  modest  and  comely  counte 
nance,  and  manifested  satisfaction  with  all,  except 
the  guns  of  the  musketeers,  which,  at  his  signs  of 
dislike,  were  put  aside.12  This  entertainment  over, 
he  also  was  escorted  to  the  brook,  as  the  king,  his 
brother,  had  been;  when  all  retired,  though  two  of 
the  warriors  were  inclined  to  remain.  All  this 
time  were  the  Indian  women,  who  attended  Mas- 
sasoit  and  his  men,  in  the  forest  not  far  distant, 
beyond  the  hill. 

Strange  to  the  whole  pilgrim  company — man, 
woman,  and  child — must  this  day's  sight  have 
been,  and  deep  the  excitement  throughout  the 
settlement.  They  had  this  day  seen,  in  the  most 
favorable  light,  not  in  war,  but  in  peace,  a  savage 
king,  attended  by  his  no  less  savage  warriors, 
himself  grave  of  countenance,  of  few  words,  lusty, 
and  strong,  in  his  best  years,  clad  in  skins  of  the 
bear,  fox,  and  deer,  with  head  oiled  and  face 
painted.  Around  his  neck,  as  the  badge  of  king 
ship,  was  the  great  chain  of  white  bone  beads. 

12  These  it  was  that  struck  invincibly  fearless  and  brave 
terror,  more  than  all  things  else,  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  savage 
into  the  hearts  of  the  otherwise  tribes  of  New  Ens-land. 


THE  INDIAN  WARRIORS.  263 

Suspended  from  this  chain,  and  nearly  in  contact 
with  his  long,  smooth,  black  hair,  and  falling 
backwards,  hung  that  other  appendage,  a  bag  of 
tobacco,  from  which  to  take  for  himself  and  offer 
to  others  a  portion  as  friendship's  token.  At  his 
breast  hung  his  long  huge  knife.  And  not  unlike 
him  were  his  warriors;  some  clad  in  garments 
nearly  as  whole  and  in  shape  as  when  on  the  wild 
beasts  from  which  they  had  been  taken ;  others  of 
them  were  almost  in  nature's  nakedness ;  while  all 
faces  were  painted,  wholly  or  partially,  and  vari 
ously  (a  savage  characteristic),  black,  white,  yellow, 
red,  in  lines,  crosses,  or  in  strange  figures,  accord 
ing  to  each  one's  fancy.  All  were  in  form  erect 
and  tall,  strong  of  muscle  and  nerve,  ready  at  call 
to  string  the  bow,  to  sound  the  terrific  war-whoop, 
and  fiercely  speed  the  arrow  in  battle,  or  swift  of 
foot  to  pursue  in  hunting  the  bear,  the  wolf,  or 
the  deer. 

Wild  and  uncultivated  they  were  as  their  own 
native  forests;  wily,  and,  when  aroused  by  passion, 
fierce  and  cruel  as  the  savage  beasts  with  whose 
fur-skins  they  were  clad,  though  among  them  were 
some  with  better  qualities,  yet  all  in  the  darkness 
of  heathenism. 

Such  were  the  native  Indians  whom  our  fore 
fathers  now  met,  with  whom  they  had  now  to 
deal,  whose  friendship  they  desired  to  gain,  whose 
highest  good  they  would  seek  to  promote,  whose 
respect  and  confidence  they  must  secure,  and 
against  whom,  should  unwelcome  necessity  com- 


264  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

pel,  they  must  be  ready  to  protect  themselves,  and 
those,  whom  of  all  else  on  earth,  they  held  most 
dear. 

This  day  had  a  step  been  taken,  the  wisest  and 
best  that,  in  their  condition,  could  be  conceived 
for  their  intended  purpose.  And  of  it,  who  had  a 
more  enlarged  view,  or  in  it,  a  deeper  interest, 
than  their  elder  1 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

"  Then  glory  to  the  steel 

That  shines  in  the  reaper's  hand  ; 
And  thanks  to  God,  who  has  blessed  the  sod, 
And  crowns  the  harvest  land." — ELIZA  COOK. 

FROM  the  month  of  May  of  this  their  first  year, 
to  November,  the  prospects  of  the  pilgrim  colony 
became  gradually  more  encouraging.  With  the 
genial  breezes  of  summer  came  health  to  the  en 
feebled  survivors.  Their  Indian  friend,  Tisquan- 
tum,  made  his  abode  with  them,  and  taught  them 
how  to  plant  and  nurture  the  Indian  corn,  or 
maize,  a  grain  then  new  to  them,  and  with  the 
cultivation  of  which  they  were  unacquainted. 

He  also  informed  them  when  and  where  to  take 
fish  from  the  bay.  In  these  ways,  and  with  wild 
game,  and  such  other  products  of  the  soil  as  in 
dustry  could  procure,  the  colonists  were  beginning 
to  obtain  a  comfortable  supply  of  food. 

Other  valuable  services  were  rendered  them  by 
this  Indian  friend.  Also  Hobbamock,  another  In 
dian,  became  useful  as  an  interpreter  and  guide, 
in  opening  an  intercourse  with  the  various  neigh 
boring  nations  or  tribes  around  them. 

Accordingly,  first,  about  midsummer,   an   em- 


266  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

bassy  was  dispatched  with  presents  to  their  neigh 
bor  and  ally,  King  Massasoit,  in  his  own  country, 
to  confirm  their  alliance,  to  promote  and  regulate 
friendly  intercourse,  and  to  learn  his  residence, 
strength,  and  power.1 

Another  embassy  was  dispatched  to  the  Nausites, 
on  the  Cape,  with  whom  they  had  their  first  en 
counter.  With  them  it  was  their  purpose  to 
cultivate,  if  possible,  a  friendly  intercourse,  and  to 
reward  them  in  full  for  the  corn  discovered  and 
taken  in  their  time  of  need  on  their  first  arrival  at 
the  Cape ;  also,  to  recover  a  lost  boy,  who  had 
strayed  awTay  from  the  colony,  and  was  now  with 
that  people.2 

Both  of  these  embassies  were  attended  with 
success,  though  with  much  hardship,  and  the  latter 
with  imminent  danger. 

Scarcely  had  the  messengers  returned,  however, 
from  this  last  mission,  when  the  colonists  found 
themselves  involved  in  a  most  unexpected  diffi 
culty.  Information  came  that  Massasoit,  their 
ally,  was  driven  from  his  country  by  the  powerful 
Narragansetts,  whose  country  bordered  upon  his ; 
and  that  a  conspiracy  was  likewise  formed  against 
him  by  one  of  his  own  chiefs,  who  was  an  enemy 
of  the  colonists. 

Their  two  friends,  Tisquantum  and  Hobbamock, 

1  Massasoit's  dominion  extended  where  now  stands    the    town  of 

over  nearly  all  the  country,  from  Warren,  in  Rhode  Island. 

Cape  Cod  proper  to  Narragansett  2  Bradford  in  Young,  214-18. 
Bay,    while    his     residence    was 


EXPEDITION  OF  STANDISH.  267 

on  going  forth  to  ascertain  the  facts  of  the  case, 
were  seized  by  the  conspiring  chief;  and,  while 
the  latter  made  his  escape,  Tisquantum  was  treated 
with  violence,  scornfully  tannted  with  being  the 
white  men's  friend,  and  with  brandished  knife, 
threatened  with  immediate  death.3 

Informed  of  all  this,  the  governor  and  company 
held  consultation  as  to  what  was  to  be  done.  To 
suffer  their  ally  to  be  thus  overcome,  and  not  at 
tempt  his  relief — their  friendly  interpreter,  and  at 
times,  official  messenger,  to  be  thus  seized,  abused, 
and  perhaps  slain,  even  on  their  account,  and  not 
attempt  to  rescue  him,  would  be  to  confess  to  these 
savages  their  weakness,  and  the  worthlessness  of 
their  friendship. 

An  armed  expedition,  under  Captain  Standish, 
was  therefore  at  once  resolved  upon  ;  and  a  chosen 
band  of  ten  men  marched  forth  the  next  morning, 
and  reached  the  abode  of  the  conspirators  the  next 
night.  Immediately  surrounding  and  taking  the 
place  by  surprise,  they  released  their  friend ;  but 
the  chief  ones  sought  for  were  gone. 

No  lives  were  lost ;  only  a  few  who  attempted 
to  escape,  contrary  to  the  warning  given,  received 
some  wounds.  Thus  was  the  conspiracy  broken 
up,  while  the  report  of  the  fire-arms  filled  those 
around  them  with  fear.  Having  treated  with 
kindness  the  unoffending,  and  warned  all  others 
against  the  like  proceedings  in  future,  they  returned 

3  Bradford,  103  ;  in  Young,  219. 


268  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETTSTER. 

(after  having  been  refreshed),  accompanied  by  their 
friends  and  such  of  the  wounded  as  voluntarily 
accepted  their  offer  to  come  and  be  healed  by  their 
physician.4 

Another  and  peaceful  expedition  was  next  sent 
to  the  people  of  the  Massachusetts,  who  occupied 
the  country  north  of  their  settlement.  "  From 
these  they  had  heard  words  of  threatening,"  but 
they  would  cultivate  peace  with  them,  and  arrange 
terms  of  mutual  intercourse  and  traffic.  This  ex 
pedition  was  also  successful;  as  explorers,  they 
obtained  a  knowledge  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 
with  "  better  harbors,"  and  made  report  of  the  place, 
wishing,  says  the  governor,  "  they  had  been  there 
seated ;  but  the  Lord,  who  assigns  to  all  men  the 
bounds  of  then;  habitations,  had  appointed  it  for 
another  use."5 

These  bold  and  fearless  movements,  made  gene 
rally  in  a  trustful  and  confiding  manner,  the  mes 
sengers  being  often  in  the  power,  and  relying  on 
the  good  faith  and  honor  of  those  among  whom 
they  went,  so  won  upon  the  noble-hearted  and 
brave  among  the  Indians,  while  their  prompt  action, 
and  the  terror  of  their  guns,  so  wrought  upon  the 
fears  of  the  evil-minded,  that,  before  the  close  of 
the  year,  all  the  surrounding  princes  and  people, 
following  the  example  of  Massasoit,  came  or  sent 
to  treat  of  peace  and  friendship.  In  all  this  their 
* 

4  Bradford,  104,  and  in  Young,         5  Bradford,  105 ;  in  Young,  224, 
220,  &c.  229. 


PUBLIC  THANKSGIVING.  269 

Elder  appears  to  have  been  their  special  counsellor 
and  adviser. 

At  length,  autumn  being  far  advanced,  and  their 
first  summer's  harvest  of  Indian  corn  being  gathered 
in,  they  fitted  their  houses,  and  made  their  arrange 
ments  against  the  coming  winter.  And  now,  while 
some  were  employed  in  service  abroad,  and  some 
in  fishing,  to  furnish  for  each  family  a  goodly 
supply,  others  again  were  engaged  in  hunting, 
procuring,  among  other  game,  water  fowl,  wild 
turkey,  and  venison.  Of  meal,  or  Indian  corn, 
one  peck  a  week  for  each  person  was  the  appor 
tioned  supply,  Of  other  meal,  or  wheat,  they  had 
none ;  nor  had  they  any  mill  for  grinding ;  there 
fore  their  corn  must  be  pounded  or  mashed  by 
their  own  hands.  Yet  even  this  supply,  being 
deemed  sufficient  for  the  present  colonists,  caused 
some  of  them  to  write  home  to  their  friends,  in 
England,  in  more  glowing  terms  than  was  prudent 
or  warrantable.  The  effect  was,  that  these  de 
scriptions  of  plenty  induced  subsequent  emigrants 
to  come  without  bringing  with  them  their  needful 
stores.6 

The  provision  for  the  little  colony  being  secured 
for  the  ensuing  winter,  their  governor  set  apart  a 
day  for  public  thanksgiving.  Accordingly,  with 
the  fruits  of  their  labors,  the  thankful  feast  was 
prepared,  that  all  might  in  a  special  manner  rejoice 
together,  under  a  grateful  sense  of  these  tokens  of 

6  Hilton,  in  Young,  250. 


270  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER, 

divine  mercy.  It  was  their  first  thanksgiving  or 
harvest  festival  in  the  New  World.7  And  we  may 
well  conjecture  what  were  the  feelings,  and  what 
the  theme  of  the  Elder,  as,  assembled  in  their 
"  Common  House,"8  he  led  the  devotions  of  these 
worshippers,  and  spoke  to  them  words  befitting  the 
occasion. 

The  occasion  was  likewise  improved,  as  a  fit 
time,  to  interest  and  favorably  influence  the  neigh 
boring  Indians.  "Among  other  recreations,"  says 
Winslow,  "  we  exercised  our  arms ;  many  of  the 
Indians  coming  amongst  us,  and  with  them  came 
their  greatest  King,  Massasoit,  accompanied  by 
some  ninety  men,  whom  for  three  days  we  enter 
tained  and  feasted.  They  also  went  out  and  killed 
five  deer,  which  they  brought  to  the  plantation, 
and  bestowed  on  our  governor,  and  upon  the  cap 
tain  and  others.  And  though  it  be  not  always  so 
plentiful  as  it  was  at  this  time  with  us,  yet,  by 
the  goodness  of  God,  we  are  so  far  from  wrant  that 
we  often  wish  our  friends  partakers  with  us."9 

Thus  are  we  brought  to  the  conclusion  of  the 
first  year's  trials,  hardships,  and  sufferings  of  the 
pilgrim  company,  with  the  loss  of  life,  and  the 
present  temporary  relief. 

During  all  this,  we  have  marked  the  "  Elder's" 

7  Winslow,  in  Young,  231.  worship  from  the  21st  of  January 

8  This  was  the  best  place  for    preceding.     Prince,  97 ;  Russell's 
assembling  which   they  yet  had     Guide  to  Plymouth. 

been  able  to  prepare.     In  it  they        9  Young,  231,  232. 
appear  to  have  held  their  public 


CLOSE  OF  FIRST  YEAR'S  TRIALS.  271 

position  and  prevailing  influence;  an  influence  un 
obtrusive,  yet  ever  active,  ever  felt,  and  possessed 
by  no  other.  All  along,  in  the  mind's  eye,  we 
have  seen  him  ever  present,  as  the  leader  of  their 
public  devotions,  whether  on  shipboard  or  in  their 
rudely  constructed  place  of  worship  on  shore,  as 
their  constant  instructor  in  the  Divine  Word: 
"teaching  publicly  twice  on  every  Sabbath."10 
We  have  marked,  also,  his  position  not  only  as 
ruling  elder,  but  as  counsellor,  ever  interested, 
always  consulted  in  every  affair  of  importance.11 
We  have  found  him  likewise  ministering  most 
patiently  and  affectionately  at  the  bedside  of  the 
sick,  and,  with  all  the  alleviations  that  Christian 
faithfulness  could  impart,  sympathizing  with  them, 
and  sharing  in  their  trials.  And  thus  closes  the 
first  year  of  the  first  English  colony  on  the  coast 
of  New  England. 


10  Bradford,  413.  with    their    Elder,    Mr.    Brewster 

11  "As  the  governor  had  used,     (together  with  his  assistants)."  — 
in  all  weighty  affairs,  to  consult     Bradford,  p.  172. 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

"Much  danger  makes  great  hearts  most  resolute." 

MARSTON. 

ON  the  9th  of  November,  just  one  year  from  the 
day  when  the  pilgrim  company  first  beheld  land  in 
the  New  World,  a  little  ship  was  seen  standing  in 
from  sea,  which  immediately  caused  no  little  com 
motion.  The  first  notice  of  its  approach  reached 
the  little  colony  from  the  Indians  on  the  Cape. 
Was  it  friend  or  foe]  The  Indian  informers 
thought  it  to  be  a  Frenchman^  mid  boding  no  good. 
In  the  colony  were  doubts  and  conjectures,  they 
not  expecting  any  one  then  from  their  fatherland.1 

Passing  the  point  of  the  Cape,  the  ship  stood  on 
its  course  for  the  Plymouth  Bay.  Towards  it 
every  eye  was  directed.  The  governor  ordered 
the  great  signal  gun  to  be  fired,  to  call  home  from 
their  work  every  one  that  was  abroad.  Every 
man,  every  boy  even,  that  could  handle  a  gun, 
was  ready,  with  full  purpose,  if  she  were  an  enemy, 
to  stand  firm  on  the  defence.  But  on  drawing 
near,  to  their  great  relief  and  joy,  she  proved  to  be 

1  Brad,  in  Prince,  114.    Though     French  were  looked  upon  as  secret 
not  at  the  time  open  enemies,  the     foes,  especially  in  the  New  World. 


ARRIVAL  OF  THE  SECOND  LITTLE  SHIP,  FORTUNE.       273 

a  friend.  It  was  the  little  ship  Fortune,  bringing 
additional  members  to  the  colony ;  to  many  fami 
lies,  respected  and  endeared  ones,  from  whom,  more 
than  a  year  since,  they  had  parted.2 

To  the  colony,  weakened  in  numbers  and 
strength,  and  surrounded  by  dangers,  it  was  an 
event  marked,  and  of  deep  concern.  It  was  so  in 
particular  to  the  family  of  the  Elder.  To  him 
and  Mrs.  Brewster  came,  among  the  passengers, 
their  eldest  son,  Jonathan,  and  to  the  others  an 
elder  brother.  Of  the  Elder's  family,  therefore, 
now  present,  were  himself,  his  wife,  and  their 
three  sons.  From  their  daughters,  they  were  still 
separated.  How  soon,  or  when,  Lucretia,  the  wife 
of  Jonathan,  came  with  her  son  William,  there 
appears  to  be  no  record. 

Often  are  favors  and  mercies  the  occasions  of 
additional  trials.  Joyful  and  welcome  as  was  the 
reception  at  this  time  of  dear  friends  and  connec 
tions,  greatly  as  it  added  to  the  strength  of  the 
colony,  it  was  soon  apparent  that  a  great  scarcity 
of  food  must  follow.  With  no  knowledge  or  ex 
pectation  of  the  arrival  this  season  of  additional 
consumers,  no  provision  had  been  made  for  addi 
tional  supplies,  especially  for  a  number  nearly 
equalling  their  own.  On  board  the  Fortune,  no 
provision  had  been  made  even  for  her  own  return, 
much  less  for  the  wants  of  those  whom  she  had 
brought. 

2  Bradford,  pp.  105-6. 

18 


274  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

They  soon  dispatched  the  ship  homeward,  how 
ever,  laden  with  the  avails  of  their  hard  earnings 
and  self-denying  efforts,  as  the  best  returns  in  their 
power  to  the  merchant  adventurers,  for  their  first 
outlay  in  England.  The  value  of  their  returns,  in 
beaver,  wainscotting,  choice  wood,  and  other 
articles,  was  five  hundred  pounds.3 

The  ship  being  dispatched,  and  their  stores  of 
provisions  examined,  the  supply  for  all  until  the 
next  summer's  harvest  of  corn,  eight  months  dis 
tant,  was  found  to  be  only  for  six  months,  on  half 
allowance,  and  upon  this  were  they  now  placed; 
all  taking  it  patiently. 

Not  long  after  the  return  of  the  Fortune,  came 
reports  to  Plymouth  that  the  Narragansetts,  a 
nation  bordering  upon  the  bay  of  that  name,  and 
who  could  assemble  five  thousand  warriors,  were 
assuming  a  threatening  attitude,  and  were  prepar 
ing  to  attack  them,  notwithstanding  the  peace 
that  people  sought  with  them  the  preceding  sum 
mer.  From  Canonicus,  their  chief  Sachem,  came, 
by  a  messenger,  as  significant  of  his  purpose,  a 
bundle  of  new  arrows  wrapt  in  a  snake-skin.  The 
governor,  suspecting,  but  not  knowing,  its  import, 
on  consultation,  returned  for  answer  that  he  had 
heard  of  the  Sachem's  many  threatenings — that 

3  On  her  way  homewards,  how-  all    that  was  worth   taking  ;  but 

ever,  this  second  emigrant  ship  to  the   vessel  and    those   on  board 

the  colony,  and  the  first  to  take  (among  whom  was  Mr.  Cushman) 

returns  of  freight  to  their  creditors,  were  allowed  to  return  to  England, 

was    taken    by  the  French,  and  where  they  arrived  on  the  17th  of 

carried  into  France,  despoiled  of  February. — In  Bradford,  118,  122. 


CHALLENGING  MESSAGE  ;    WORKS  OF  DEFENCE.       275 

himself  and  people  wished  to  live  in  peace,  but  if 
the  Sachem  would  not  live  peaceably  with  him,  as 
his  other  neighbors  did,  he  might  do  his  utmost. 
Learning  afterwards  from  the  interpreter  the  sig 
nificance  of  the  suspicious  token,  the  governor,  on 
taking  counsel,  returned  the  snake-skin  filled  with 
powder  and  shot,  with  a  corresponding  message. 
The  savage  king,  receiving  the  message,  but 
fearing  the  charged  skin,  would  neither  touch  nor 
suffer  it  to  remain  in  his  kingdom ;  but  one  and 
another  posted  it  from  place  to  place,  until  it  came 
back  to  the  settlement  entire,  as  it  had  been  sent.4 

In  this  state  of  things  it  was  that  the  yet  feeble 
colony  adopted  measures,  in  February  of  this 
second  year,  to  inclose  with  paling  their  whole 
town.  Outside  of  this  paling,  encircling  the  top 
of  the  hill  and  the  town  underneath,  were  arrange 
ments  for  four  jetties  or  bulwarks,  from  which  to 
defend  the  whole.  In  these  were  gates,  to  be 
locked  at  night,  while  watch  also  was  kept  by 
day. 

Next  was  a  general  muster  day,  and  the  organiz 
ation  of  their  men  in  four  companies,  each  under 
its  own  leader,  and  all  under  the  command  of 
their  well-skilled  Capt.  Standish.5 

The  men,  trained  and  drilled,  were  assigned 
their  respective  posts  of  duty,  to  be  ready  on  any 
emergency  or  alarm.  Special  arrangement  was 
also  made  in  case  a  stealthy  foe  should  attempt 

4  Bradford,  111. 

5  The  origin  of  the  New  England  militia  system. 


276  LIFE  AXD  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREYTSTER. 

the  destruction  of  their  dwellings  by  fire.  The 
elder  had  his  armor,  as  the  others,  to  be  used  in 
case  of  necessity.6 

Thus,  with  great  additional  labor,  was  their 
town  inclosed,  including  a  garden  for  each  family, 
and  the  whole  put  in  a  state  of  defence.  And  all 
was  done  while  upon  short  allowance.  In  the 
mean  time,  to  keep  their  promise  with  their  Mas 
sachusetts  Indian  neighbors  of  coming  to  trade 
with  them,  and  to  secure,  even  though  it  might  be 
but  a  small  supply  of  food,  they  sent  out,  amidst 
much  danger,  another  expedition  thither,  which 
had  the  effect  of  securing,  for  the  time,  the  body 
of  that  people  in  their  favor. 

By  the  last  of  May,  their  stores  of  food  were 
gone,  even  on  their  half  allowance.  Adding  to 
their  difficulties,  a  boat  from  a  fishing  ship,  bound 
eastward,  appeared  passing  before  the  town,  caus 
ing  alarm  and  fear  that  it  was  from  the  French  in 
league  with  the  Indians.  It  brought,  however, 
not  enemies;  yet  seven  additional  men  for  the 
colony,  but  no  food  even  for  their  own  sustenance. 

By  this  boat  came  the  startling  news  of  the 
terrible  massacre  by  the  Indians  of  near  four 
hundred  of  the  English  in  the  Colony  of  Virginia. 
This,  of  course,  added  to  the  alarm  of  the  Ply 
mouth  Colonists  in  their  present  extremity,  their 
stores  of  provisions  being  consumed,  and  famine 

6  In  the  inventory  of  his  estate  estate,  they  were  assigned  to  his 
were  the  items  of  his  armor  speci-  son  Jonathan,  as  his  eldest  born, 
fied,  and  in  the  division  of  his  — Plymouth  Records. 


ANOTHER  GRIEVOUS  EXTREMITY;  RELIEF.        277 

staring  them  in  the  face.  "  Without  bread,  with 
abated  strength,  the  flesh  of  some  swollen,  all 
were  in  fearful  apprehension."  Yet  how  often  in 
man's  extremity  is  God's  opportunity !  In  the 
letter  by  this  same  boat  that  brought  the  seven 
additional  destitute  men,  and  in  which  was  the 
information  respecting  the  Virginia  massacre, 
were  kind  expressions  of  the  interest  of  the 
writer,  though  a  stranger,  in  the  welfare  of  the 
Plymouth  Colony. 

Influenced  by  these  kind  expressions,  imme 
diately  was  Mr.  Winslow  dispatched  with  the 
colony  boat,  and  with  a  message  of  thanks  to  the 
kind  stranger,  informing  him  of  their  extreme  con 
dition,  and  the  desire  to  purchase  provisions. 
Readily  and  kindly  did  the  Captain  [Huddleston] 
part  with  such  as  his  ship  could  spare,  and  asked 
of  others  at  the  fishing  station  to  do  the  same. 
The  boat  returned,  bringing  such  relief,  as,  with 
great  care,  availed  them  until  the  ripening  of  their 
growing  corn,  though  but  one-fourth  of  a  pound 
of  bread  a  day  for  each.  "Without  this  relief 
(in  Winslow's  words),  some  had  starved."  "  And 
had  we  not  been  in  a  place  where  divers  sorts 
of  shell-fish  are,  that  may  be  taken  with  the 
hand,  we  must  have  perished,  unless  God  had 
raised  some  unknown  or  extraordinary  means  for 
our  preservation."7 

7   Winslow,  in  Young,  293-4  ;  Bradford,  124-5. 


278  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

The  month  of  June  of  this  year  appears  to  have 
been  the  season  of  the  colony's  greatest  extremity. 
The  threatenings  of  famine,  at  other  times,  were 
remarkably  relieved,  in  the  good  providence  of 
God,  before  such  long  endurance.  At  such  a  time 
it  was,  when  they  had  no  bread,  no  vegetables  but 
a  few  groundnuts,  no  meat,  and  only  such  shell 
fish  and  herring  as  could  be  caught  by  hand,  that 
Elder  Brewster  lived  months  together,  even  with 
no  drink  but  water.  Yet  in  calmest  submission 
to  his  lot,  he  would  thank  God  that  they  were 
enabled  to  "  suck  of  the  abundance  of  the  seas,  and 
of  treasures  hid  in  the  sand."3 

It  was  in  this  extremity  of  weakness,  and  while 
affected  by  news  of  the  awful  massacre  in  Virginia, 
that  the  evil-disposed  Indians  around  New  Ply 
mouth  began  to  throw  out  their  insulting  speeches ; 
intimating  how  easy  it  would  be  now  to  cut  them 
off.  Even  King  Massasoit  appeared  less  friendly 
to  them  than  formerly.  Too  critical,  indeed,  was 
the  state  of  things  now,  not  to  cause  the  deepest 
concern. 

Therefore,  they  resolved  to  erect  on  the  hill, 
without  delay,  a  strong  timber  fort,  whereon  their 
ordnance  should  be  still  more  advantageously 
mounted,  and  from  which  a  few  men  would  be 
able  to  defend  the  whole  settlement  from  assault, 
while  the  rest  of  the  company  might  be  more 
safely  employed  in  their  daily  labors.9  This,  amid 

8  Belknap's  Memoir  of  Brewster.     Deuteronomy,  xxxiii.  19. 

9  Brad,  and  Winslow,  in  Young,  295. 


AGAIN  THREATENED;    NEWPORT.  279 

all  their  deprivations  and  labors,  was  the  great 
work  of  the  second  year,  begun  with  eagerness  and 
general  approbation,  and  with  the  hope  that  being 
once  finished,  and  with  a  continual  guard,  it  would 
utterly  discourage  the  savages  from  again  attempt 
ing  to  rise  against  them.  It  was  strong  and 
comely,  with  a  flat  roof  and  battlements,  with 
guard  and  watch  rooms.  Yet  what  added  greatly 
to  the  interest  in  its  construction,  was,  its  ground 
story  fitted  for  their  place  of  public  worship. 
Here  for  years  their  elder  led  their  devotions,  and 
in  the  words  of  their  governor,  "  taught  both 
powerfully  and  profitably,"  to  the  great  content 
ment  of  the  hearers  and  their  comfortable  edifica 
tion.  "Yea,  many  were  brought  to  God  by  his 
ministry ;  he  doing  more  in  their  behalf  in  a  year, 
than  many  do  in  all  their  lives."10 

Here,  again,  we  are  to  mark  another  trial,  fol 
lowed  by  what  was  esteemed  by  them,  in  their 
sad  destitution,  another  merciful  providence. 
Near  the  first  of  July,  came  into  their  harbor,  two 
ships  with  men,  sent  by  Mr.  Thomas  Weston, 
their  former  agent,  to  found  another  colony  near 
by  them,  on  Massachusetts  Bay.  From  these  were 
landed  some  sixty  men,  stout  and  strong,  but  with 
many  sick.  They  were  hospitably  received,  and 
the  sick  provided  for  by  the  best  means  in  their 
power;  out  of  respect  to  their  condition  and  to 
Mr.  Weston. 

10  Bradford,  413. 


280  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

While  some  of  them  were  variously  employed 
with  their  ships,  the  most  of  them  remained  for 
months,  and  became  not  only  burdensome,  from 
their  rude,  disorderly  behavior,  but  from  their 
wasteful  and  stealthy  depredations  upon  the  ripen 
ing  corn,  which,  with  great  labor  and  care,  the 
poorly  provided  Plymouth  people  were  raising  for 
their  own  supply. 

After  the  departure  of  these  ungrateful  visitors, 
from  these  and  other  causes,  a  scanty  harvest  en 
sued;  and,  notwithstanding  all  their  diligence, 
gloomy  was  the  prospect  before  them  as  to  the 
coming  winter  and  spring.  Famine,  it  appeared, 
must  again  ensue.  To  uncertainties  they  dare  not 
trust.  No  market  was  tliere  within  their  reach, 
to  which  they  could  apply,  except  to  the  Indians ; 
and  for  this  they  had  no  articles  of  trade. 

But  now  came  in  a  ship  (one  Master  Jones, 
commander),  sent  to  explore  the  coast,  and  having 
on  board  stores  of  knives  and  beads  for  this  pur 
pose.  Of  him  they  most  gladly  purchased,  though 
at  the  dear  rate  of  over  two-fold  per  cent.  There 
fore,  now  were  they  fitted  again  to  trade  for 
beavers,  and  some  supply  of  corn  to  relieve  present 
and  future  necessities.11 


11  Bradford,  127.  his  return  he  gratefully  acknow- 

i      In  this  ship  was  a  gentleman  ledged  the  same,  thus  :  "  To  your- 

)  passenger,   Mr.  John   Poory,  who  self  and  Mr.  Brewster,  I  must  ac- 

had  been   secretary  in  Virginia,  knowledge    myself    many    ways 

and    was  now  on  his    return    to  indebted,  whose   books   I    would 

England.    Having  received  favors  have  you  think  very  well  bestowed 

from  the  Elder  and  governor,  after  on  him,  who  esteemeth  them  such 


MR.  JOHN  rOORY;    DEATH  OF  TISQUANTUM.        281 


jewels,  &c."  *  *  "God  have  you 
all  in  liis  keeping. 
Your  unfeigned  and  firm  friend, 
J.  POORY." 
August  28th,  1622. 
In  one  of  the  ensuing  expedi 
tions,  in   November,  to  purchase 
corn  on  the  cape,  Tisquantum  fell 
sick  of  the  Indian  fever,  at  Mana- 


moick  (now  Chatham),  where  he 
died ;  desiring  the  governor  to 
pray  for  him,  that  he  might  go  to 
the  Englishman's  God  in  heaven  ; 
bequeathing  various  of  his  things 
to  sundry  of  his  English  friends  as 
remembrances  of  his  love.  Greatly 
was  his  loss  felt.— Brad.,  128. 


CHAPTER    XXV. 

Timely  advised,  the  coining  evil  shun. — PRIOR. 

THIS  third  year  of  the  Pilgrims  in  New  Eng 
land  was  full  of  stirring  incidents ;  and  their  con 
dition  was  one  of  continued  though  varied  trials. 
A  moment's  glance  shows  it  to  have  been  such  as 
to  cause  the  most  anxious  thoughts  and  concern 
of  the  whole  body ;  and  of  no  one  more  than  of  their 
Elder.  New  dangers  now  surrounded  them.  Firm 
as  was  their  trust  in  the  divine  mercy  and  care, 
equally  firm  was  their  conviction  that  their 
progress,  if  not  their  very  existence,  depended, 
humanly  speaking,  upon  their  own  most  strenuous 
exertions  to  procure  subsistence ;  also  to  keep  up 
and  extend  a  friendly  influence  and  intercourse 
among  their  Indian  neighbors,  and  to  guard 
against  the  combinations  of  such  savage  foes  as 
wished  for  their  destruction. 

In  these  circumstances,  while  there  was  .caution, 

their  course  was  still  open,  bold,  and  confiding,  so 

open  and  confiding  as  to  attract  the  attention,  and 

i  even  wonder,  of  the   natives.1     With   this  were 

1  Winslow,  in  Young,  325. 


WESTON  PEOPLE;  NEW  TRIAL;  ANOTHER  PLOT.       283 

united  kindness,  uprightness  in  dealing,  and  hos 
pitable  entertainment;  in  short,  a  striving  to 
manifest  before  them  the  principles  of  their 
religion.2 

In  this  manner  already  had  they  won,  as  we 
have  seen,  and  were  winning,  the  friendship  of  not 
a  few,  the  respect  and  confidence  of  more,  while 
others  had  been  kept  in  check  from  combining  to 
exterminate  them. 

But  much  of  the  influence  of  their  upright 
course,  kind  and  hospitable  treatment,  was  now 
sadly  counteracted  by  the  base  conduct  of  some  of 
their  own  countrymen,  men  of  another  plantation 
lately  commenced,  called  the  "  Weston  Plantation." 
By  these  were  their  trials  and  dangers  greatly 
increased. 

These  men  had  been  sent  out  by  Mr.  Weston 
to  plant  another  English  colony.  They  came  (as 
we  have  seen)  to  Plymouth  the  preceding  summer, 
and  proved  themselves  to  be  mostly  unprincipled, 
indolent,  and  ungovernable  men.  On  settling  in 
the  Massachusetts  country,  bordering  upon  the 
remaining  Indian  settlements  of  that  name,  their 
conduct  had  almost  immediately  provoked  a  quar 
rel  with  their  Indian  neighbors.  The  disaffection 
soon  became  so  great  between  the  two,  that  plun 
ders  were  committed  on  both  sides,  and  blood  was 
shed.  A  league,  not  yet  known  to  the  English, 

2  All  the  lands  occupied  by  the  to  them  by  the  Indians,  according 
first  settlers,  or  possessed  by  this  to  the  forms  of  law.  —  Russell, 
colony,  were  amicably  conveyed  keeper  of  the  Plymouth  Records. 


284  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRE^VSTER. 

was  now  formed  by  warriors  of  the  various  tribes 
for  the  extermination  of  the  Weston  people. 
Among  the  chiefs  thus  leagued,  as  afterwards  dis 
covered,  was  a  noted  insulting  savage  named 
Wituwamat,  who  boasted  of  his  valor,  and  derided 
the  weakness  of  the  English.  He  had  before  im 
brued  his  hands  in  the  blood  both  of  the  English 
and  French.  Captain  Standish,  while  abroad  at 
Manomet  for  food,  barely  escaped  being  assassin 
ated  at  his  instigation.3 

This  secret  league  or  plot  to  exterminate  the 
Weston  people,  and  finally  the  Plymouth  Colony, 
was  disclosed  by  an  incident  of  no  little  interest. 

King  Massasoit,  the  ally  of  the  English,  had 
fallen  sick  and  was  likely  to  die.  The  governor, 
hearing  of  it,  dispatched  Mr.  Winslow,  with  a 
companion  and  Hobbamock,  an  interpreter,  to 
visit  him,  and,  if  it  might  be,  administer  to  his 
comfort.4  On  this  friendly  but  self-denying  errand, 
the  messengers  went,  through  forests  and  un 
friendly  settlements,  and  arrived  late  the  second 
night  at  Massasoit's  dwelling.  "  They  found  him 
extremely  low,  his  sight  gone,  his  teeth  set,  having 
for  two  days  taken  nothing."  In  his  house  were 
men  assembled  performing  charms  or  incantations, 
with  fiendish  noises ;  "  enough  (says  one  messen 
ger),  to  sicken  those  that  were  well,  and  not  likely 
to  ease  him  that  was  sick ;  while  the  women  were 


3  Winslow,  310. 

4  Winslow's  Narrative,  in  Young,  313,  &c. 


MASSASOIT  SICK;    WINSLOW  VISITS  HIM.  285 

chafing  him  to  keep  heat  in  him."  Made  to 
understand  that  Winslow  had  come,  Massasoit 
put  forth  his  hand  as  Winslow  approached,  utter 
ing  "Keen  Winsnow?"  (Art  thou  Winslow  1) 
Being  answered  yes,  "  Oh,  Winsnow,"  he  uttered 
again  in  his  native  speech,  "  I  shall  never  see  thee 
again."  It  being  made  known  to  him  that  the 
governor,  hearing  of  his  sickness,  had  sent  mes 
sengers  to  him  with  some  things  which,  if  he 
would  take,  might  do  him  good,  he  signified  .his 
desire  to  receive  them.  Such  "  confectionary"  as 
they  had  brought  was  prepared  and  introduced 
between  his  teeth,  and  some  dissolved,  which  he 
was  made  to  swallow.  As  he  called  for  drink, 
more  of  the  same  was  administered.  Little  by 
little  he  began  to  revive,  which  gave  encourage 
ment.  For  two  days  nothing  but  hard  meat, 
which  he  could  not  receive,  had  been  offered  him. 
Ere  long  his  sight  began  to  come  to  him.  Mr. 
Winslow  continued  to  administer  to  his  relief  as 
far  as  his  medical  knowledge  would  permit,  adapt 
ing  his  efforts  to  the  neglected  condition  and 
necessities  of  the  patient.  And  he  had  the  satis 
faction  of  seeing,  as  well  as  those  present,  his 
efforts  crowned  with  success.  As  the  sick  man's 
appetite  returned,  he  called  for  food,  and  requested 
Mr.  Winslow  to  prepare  him  some  English  pottage. 
The  request  being  complied  with,  though  with 
much  difficulty  for  want  of  materials  with  which 
to  prepare  it,  he  drank  of  the  savory  dish,  and 
with  increasing  benefit.  Benefited  himself,  he 


286  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

desired  Mr.  Winslow  to  go  among  his  sick  people, 
and  do  the  same  for  them;  and  this  was  done, 
notwithstanding  the  self-denying  and  forbidding 
nature  of  the  office,  owing  to  the  neglected  and 
filthy  condition  of  the  sufferers.  At  the  end  of 
two  days  and  nights,  the  royal  patient  was  so  far 
restored,  that,  amid  warm  expressions  of  thank 
fulness  from  Massasoit  and  his  people,  the  messen 
gers  took  their  leave,  while  many,  gathering 
together  on  report  of  the  case  from  far  and  near, 
manifested  their  wonder  at  seeing  with  their  own 
eyes  the  reality  of  the  king's  unexpected  recovery. 

Most  opportune  was  this  visit  of  duty  and  kind 
ness.  Before  the  messengers'  arrival,  one  sachem 
had  chidingly  said  to  him  that "  he  might  now  see 
how  hollow-hearted  the  English  were.  If  they 
were  indeed  such  friends  as  they  pretended,  they 
would  have  visited  Massasoit  in  his  sickness." 
With  these  and  other  arguments  had  such  ones 
tried  to  turn  him  from  them.  But  now,  upon  his 
recovery,  Massasoit  answered,  "  Now  I  see  the 
English  are  my  friends,  and  love  me ;  while  I  live 
I  will  never  forget  this  kindness  they  have  shown 
me."  But  there  were  other  words  spoken  of 
deepest  concern  to  the  people  of  Plymouth. 

Ere  Mr.  Winslow  had  left,  Massasoit  had  called 
to  him  the  faithful  interpreter  Hobbamock,  and, 
in  presence  of  only  a  few  of  his  council,  had  dis 
closed  to  him  the  secret  plot,  and  charged  him  to 
make  it  known  to  Mr.  Winslow  on  his  way  home 
ward;  which  was,  that  six  of  the  surrounding 


MASSASOIT  REVEALS  THE  PLOT;  HIS  ADVICE.       287 

tribes,  led  on  by  those  of  the  Massachusetts,  had 
leagued  together  to  cut  off  the  Weston  people, 
and,  lest  those  of  Plymouth  should  avenge  it,  to 
cut  them  off  also ;  and  further,  that  he  himself 
had  been  urged  since  his  sickness  to  join  with 
them,  but  would  not.  "  And  he  advised  his 
friends  at  Plymouth,  by  all  means,  as  they  valued 
their  own  lives  and  the  lives  of  their  countrymen, 
to  have  the  instigators  of  the  plot  dispatched  at 
once.  Then  the  plot  would  cease;  otherwise,  it 
would  be  too  late."5 

Important  was  this  information,  and  marked  the 
Providence  thus  manifested  while,  and  only  while, 
they  were  in  the  course  of  their  plain  duty.  Had 
not  this  mission  been  undertaken,  this  plain  duty 
performed,  this  plot  would  not  have  thus  been 
made  known  to  them.  Therefore,  it  stands  out 
among  others  a  marked  case,  teaching  a  striking 

o  »  o  o 

lesson. 

The  messengers,  returning,  reported  the  success 
of  their  mission,  but  especially  the  fearful  dis 
closure  by  Massasoit.  From  the  Weston  people 
came  also  messages,  confessing  their  wretched  con 
dition  and  danger.6  Another  sachem,  brother  of 
the  Massachusetts  chief,  signified  the  same.7 

It  was  the  23d  of  March,  the  yearly  court  day, 
when  the  governor  communicated  the  startling  in- 

5  Winslow,  in  Young,  320-324. 

6  Winslow,  in  Young,  328  ;  Bradford,  130. 

7  Ibid.,  330. 


288  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

telligence  to  the  whole  company,  and  asked  their 
advice.  "A  troublesome  and  grievous  business  it 
was,"  says  Winslow ;  "  but  especially,  for  that  we 
knew  no  other  means  to  deliver  our  countrymen, 
and  preserve  ourselves,  but  by  returning  their  ma 
licious  and  cruel  purposes  upon  their  own  heads, 
and  causing  them  to  fall  into  the  same  pit  they 
had  digged  for  others:  though  it  grieved  us  much 
to  shed  the  blood  of  those  whose  good  we  ever 
intended  and  aimed  at,  as  a  principle,  in  all  our 
proceedings.  But  they  must  come  to  a  conclusion, 
however  sudden  it  might  seem ;  the  fear  being  that 
the  •  exterminating  work  would  be  commenced 
before  they  could  inform  the  Weston  people  of 
their  danger.8 

The  court  publicly  resolved  that  a  "  matter  of 
such  weight  be  committed  to  the  governor,  with  a 
certain  select  council,  to  do  as  they  should  conclude 
to  be  best."  Already  had  the  governor  and  coun 
cil  plead  most  earnestly  with  the  Weston  settlers 
not  in  any  extremity  to  deal  unjustly  or  provok- 
ingly  with  the  Indians  around  them ;  "  it  being," 
said  they,  "  against  the  law  of  God  and  nature." 
"  It  would  cross  the  worthy  ends  and  proceedings 
of  the  King's  majesty  and  council  for  this  place — 
the  peaceably  enlarging  of  his  dominions,  and  the 
propagation  of  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  the 
glad  tidings  of  salvation,  which  we  and  they  were 
bound  to  seek,  and  were  not  to  use  such  means  as 

s  Ibid.,  331,  and  Bradford,  131,  132. 


PLOT  FOR  EXTERMINATION  FRUSTRATED.         2S9 


would  breed  a  distaste  in  the  savages  against  our 
persons  and^  possessions."9 

But  the  extremity  had  come,  and  the  people  of 
Plymouth  must  act,  or  all  must  suffer.  Order  was 
given  to  Captain  Standish  to  take  men  and  go,  not 
in  a  manner  to  excite  suspicion,  but  first  to  the 
Weston  people,  and  inform  them  of  the  plot,  and 
examine,  uso  as  to  judge  of  the  certainty  of  it;" 
"  but  forbear,  if  possible,  until  he  could  make  sure 
of  the  bloody  Wituwamat."10 

Arriving  at  the  Weston  settlement,  and  inform 
ing  them  of  the  purposes  of  his  coming,  seeing 
likewise  their  deplorable  condition,  the  conspirators 
often  coming  and  going,  the  captain  scrutinized 
appearances,  heard  the  taunts  of  the  savages  who 
came,  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  two  bitterest  con 
spirators,  Wituwamat  and  Pecksuot,  and  skilfully 
prepared  for  the  encounter.  Those  two,  now  com 
ing  and  daring  the  captain  to  do  what  he  could, 
tauntingly  insulted  him  from  day  to  day.  He 
bore  all  patiently  until  a  favorable  moment,  when 
he  and  his  men  seized,  and  after  a  severe  struggle 
slew  these  chief  conspirators.11 

Fearfully  responsible  was  the  whole  proceeding ; 
especially  so  was  the  concluding  act.  Self  pre 
servation,  and  the  extremity  of  the  case,  were  the 
reasons  assigned.  As  to  the  results,  the  plot  was 
broken  up,  the  colonists  relieved,  and  the  death  of 

/ 

9  Winslow,  in  Young,  328,  329.  "  Ibid.,  337,  339. 

10  Ibid.,  332. 

19 


290  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

these  chief  movers  in  the  conspiracy  put  a  stop  to 
further  proceedings  among  those  who  .had  leagued 
together  in  this  project  of  extermination. 

The  Weston  people  likewise  abandoned  their 
plantation,  the  most  of  them  resolving  to  seek  their 
way  home,  with  such  food  as  the  captain  could 
spare,  while  some  few  accompanied  him  and  his 
men  to  Plymouth.  "  Thus  ended  this  plantation 
in  one  year:  all  able-bodied  men,  who  boasted  of 
their  strength,  and  what  they  would  bring  to  pass, 
in  comparison  with  the  people  at  Plymouth,  who 
had  many  women,  children,  and  weak  ones  with 
them."12 

What  Elder  Brewster  felt  and  judged  respecting 
this  first  shedding  of  the  blood  of  the  native 
savages,  even  under  the  necessities  of  the  case,  and 
to  prevent  a  probable  general  massacre,  we  cannot 
now  discover.  But  their  pastor  in  Holland,  on 
hearing  of  it  (and  it  is  a  testimony  of  the  workings 
of  a  benevolent  Christian  heart),  wrote  to  them, 
"  He  hoped  the  Lord  had  sent  the  captain  among 
them  for  good,  if  they  used  him  right ;  but  doubted 
whether  there  was  not  wanting  that  tenderness  of 
the  life  of  man,  made  after  the  image  of  God, 
which  was  meet ;"  and  concludes  thus :  "  O  how 
happy  a  thing  had  it  been  that  you  had  converted 
some  before  you  had  killed  any."13 

From  this  tragic  affair,  we  turn  to  more  peaceful, 
though  still  bitterly  trying  scenes. 

12  Bradford,  132.  164-5,   in   which   is    much    that 

13  See   his   Letter  in    Bradford,     partakes  of  the  same  spirit. 


EVILS  OF  LABOR  AND  SUPPLY  IN  COMMON.        291 

Having  all  along  been  disappointed  in  their  ex 
pectations  of  obtaining  food  from  England,  the 
colonists  had  been  taught,  by  sad  experience,  the 
necessity  of  a  more  extensive  cultivation  and  en 
riching  of  their  own  soil ;  a  soil  which  had  proved 
to  be  not  the  most  fertile. 

Actual  experience  had  also  taught  them  that 
the  practice  of  cultivating  their  fields  in  common, 
and  gathering  the  produce  into  a  common  store 
for  distribution,  was  not  the  wisest.  It  was  there 
fore  ordered  that,  all  being  ranged  in  families,  each 
family  should  have  its  enlarged  allotment  of  land, 
and  plant,  and  trust  for  food  to  its  own  exertions  ; 
while  at  the  harvest,  each  should  bring  a  specified 
piortion  to  the  public  store  for  the  maintenance  of 
their  chief  officers  and  men  engaged  in  fishing, 
and  for  other  necessities.  This  latter  arrangement 
was  required  in  connection  with  their  gains  in 
trade  and  other  ways,  to  secure  means  for  making 
returns  to  the  u  merchant  adventurers"  in  London. 

The  plan  now  adopted  met  with  encouraging 
success.  Greater  industry,  especially  in  the  case 
of  some  that  had  been  burdensome,  was  soon  mani 
fested.  Even  women  and  children  entered  the 
fields  to  share  in  the  labors.  Wherefore  more  was 
planted  than  in  the  former  way,  and  their  future 
prospects  became  brighter. 

As  the  third  summer  advanced,  however,  not 
withstanding  their  increased  industry  in  planting, 
in  hopes  of  large  supplies,  sore  disappointment 
awaited  them  again.  They  were  to  meet  trial  in 


292  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

another  form.  Even  these  people  must  be  taught 
still  more  practically  the  meaning  of  that  declara 
tion — "I  will  be  inquired  of  by  you,  saith  the 
Lord."  So  they  viewed  and  improved  the  occur 
rence.  Says  Bradford,  "  By  the  time  our  corn  is 
planted,  our  food  is  spent,  not  knowing  at  night 
where  to  have  a  bit  in  the  morning,  and  have 
neither  bread  nor  corn  for  three  or  four  months 
together ;  yet  bear  our  wants  with  cheerfulness, 
and  rest  on  Providence." 

"  Having  but  one  boat  left,  we  divide  our  men 
into  several  companies,  each  take  their  turn  to 
go  out  and  fish,  and  return  not  till  they  get  some, 
though  they  be  five  or  six  days  out;  knowing 
there  is  nothing  at  home,  and  to  return  empty 
would  be  a  great  discouragement.  When  they 
stay  long,  or  get  but  little,  the  rest  go  a  digging 
shell-fish,  and  thus  we  live  the  summer,  only  send 
ing  one  or  two  to  range  the  woods  for  deer ;  they 
now  and  then  get  one,  which  we  divide  among  the 
company  ;  in  winter,  we  are  helped  with  fowl  and 
groundnuts"1^ 

Having  in  weakness  and  want  completed  their 
first  planting,  they  awaited  the  kindly  showers 
upon  the  fields  to  "  bring  forth  the  blade,  then  the 
ear,  and  then  the  full  corn  in  the  ear;"  but  the 
needed  rain  came  not ;  "  their  grounds  became 
parched,"  their  young  corn  withered.  Day  by  day, 
even  from  May  to  July,  the  parching  heat  increased; 

14  Prince,  135.     Bradford,  134-7. 


THE  GREATEST  EXTREMITY  IN  WANT  OF  FOOD.       293 

the  "  heavens  became  as  brass  over  their  heads,  and 
the  earth  as  ashes  under  their  feet."  At  length 
nearly  all  hope  was  at  an  end,  and  threatened 
famine  was  before  them. 

In  their  own  language,  "  Now  our  hopes  were 
overthrown,  and  we  discouraged,  and  our  joy 
turned  into  mourning."  "  To  add  to  this,  a  supply 
that  was  sent  unto  us,  many  months  since,  having 
two  repulses  before,  was  a  third  time  in  company 
with  another  ship,  three  hundred  leagues  at  sea, 
and  now,  in  three  months'  time,  is  no  further 
heard  of;  only  the  signs  of  a  wreck  were  seen  on 
the  coast,  which  could  not  be  judged  to  be  any 
other  than  the  same,  seemingly  thus  to  deprive  us 
at  once  of  all  future  hopes.  The  most  courageous 
were  now  discouraged  ;  because  God,  who  hither 
to  had  been  our  only  shield  and  supporter,  now 
seemed  in  his  anger  to  arm  himself  against  us. 
And  who  can  withstand  the  fierceness  of  His 
wrath  r15 

Hobbamock,  their  friend  and  interpreter,  living 
among  them,  said,  "  I  am  much  troubled  for  the 
English,  for  I  am  afraid  they  will  lose  all  their 
corn  by  the  drought,  and  so  they  will  be  starved."16 

"  These  and  like  considerations,"  continues 
Winslow,  "  moved  not  only  every  good  man  pri 
vately  to  enter  into  examination  of  his  own  estate 
between  God  arid  his  conscience  to  humiliation 

15  Winslow,  in  Young,  348,  349.  16  Bradford,  141,  142,  note. 


294  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


before  him,  but  also  to  humble  ourselves  together 
before  the  Lord  by  fasting  and  prayer."17 

It  was  about  the  middle  of  July.  A  day  of 
fasting  was  set  apart  by  public  authority.  It  was 
no  new  observance  with  them,  but  was  the  first 
for  the  like  occasion.  It  was  founded  on  the 
"  hope  that  the  same  God  who  had  stirred  them 
up  thereunto  would  be  moved  thereby  in  mercy  to 
look  down  upon  them,  and  grant  the  request  of 
their  dejected  spirits,  if  their  continuance  there 
might  consist  with  his  glory  and  their  good." 

Assembled  thus  for  humiliation  and  prayer, 
how  especially  and  with  what  long  pleading 
earnestness  the  Elder  poured  forth  the  soul's  con 
fessions  and  entreaties  for  mercy,  and  spoke  to  the 
hearts  of  his  people  from  the  Word  of  Truth,  we 
need  scarcely  be  reminded. 

Peculiarly  striking  (says  one  of  them)  was  his 
manner  of  laying  open  the  heart  and  conscience 
before  God  in  confessions  of  sin,  and  begging  the 
mercies  of  God  in  Christ  for  pardon.18 

"  But,  O !  (exclaims  Winslow)  the  mercy  of 
our  God,  who  was  as  ready  to  hear  as  we  to  pray." 
The  morning  was  clear,  and  it  so  continued ;  the 
heat  unabated ;  not  a  cloud  or  sign  of  rain  to  be 
seen ;  the  drought  as  likely  to  continue  as  ever ; 
yet  the  exercises  on  this  special  occasion,  as  of 
life  and  death,  being  continued  eight  or  more 
hours  ere  their  close,  the  clouds  gathered,  the 

17  Winslow,  in  Young,  340.  IS  Bradford,  p.  414. 


THE  REMARKABLE  RELIEF.  295 

heavens  were  overcast,  and  before  the  next 
morning  passed,  gentle  showers  were  distilling 
upon  the  earth,  and  so  it  continued  some  fourteen 
days,  with  seasonable  weather  intervening.  "  It 
were  hard  to  say  whether  our  withered  corn  or 
drooping  affections  were  most  quickened  and 
revived;  such  were  the  bounty  and  goodness  of 
our  God."  So  revived  and  recovered  were  the 
fruits  and  corn,  as  still  to  give  promise  of  a  joyful 
harvest.  Even  by  the  Indians  it  was  viewed  as  a 
matter  of  remark  and  astonishment.  Being  in 
the  town,  and  asking  the  reason  of  the  day's 
solemnity,  as  it  was  but  three  days  from  Sunday, 
and  when  informed,  seeing  what  had  followed, 
they  confessed  the  goodness  of  the  Christians' 
God  compared  with  the  answers  to  their  own  in 
cantations.  Hobbamock,  who  had  before  ex 
pressed  his  fears  for  the  English,  after  the  relief 
came,  expressed  himself  in  this  manner:  "Now  I 
see  Englishman's  God  is  a  good  God,  for  he  hath 
heard  you  and  sent  you  rain,  and  without  storms, 
tempest,  or  thunder  beating  down  your  corn. 
Surely  your  God  is  a  good  God." 

Still  further,  this  people's  experience  had  indeed 
verified  the  proverbial  saying,  that  trials  and  afflic 
tions  come  not  single;  and  now,  they  could  say 
their  acknowledged  mercies  came  not  alone. 
In  this  their  extremity,  Captain  Standish  arrived 
from  an  expedition  among  the  Indians  with  such 
supply  as  would  relieve  their  famishing  state  until 
the  newly  revived  corn  should  ripen. 


296  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Fears  also  had  been  entertained  that  certain 
persons  in  England,  among  whom  was  one  Mr. 
Pierce,  for  private  ends,  had  succeeded  in  obtain 
ing  new  grants  of  powers,  and  a  new  patent  for 
New  Plymouth,  by  which  the  patentee  would  hold 
the  lands  in  perpetuity,  and  the  colonists  now 
settled  on  them  would  become  only  tenants,  and 
be  deprived  of  the  liberties,  rights,  and  privileges 
which  had  cost  them  so  dear.19  But  now,  infor 
mation  reached  them  that,  in  ways  most  remark 
able,  and  which  they  deemed  truly  providential, 
every  such  attempt  had  been  frustrated,  every 
project  brought  to  naught. 

For  "  these  many  signs  of  God's  favor  and  ac 
ceptation,"  to  use  their  own  words  again,  especially 
for  that  great  one  of  relief  from  threatened  famine, 
another  day  was  now  set  apart  for  special  acknoAV- 
ledgment,  a  day  of  thanksgiving  by  public  autho 
rity,  considering  that  it  would  be  great  ingratitude 
to  be  content  to  pass  over  with  only  private 
thanksgiving  that  which  by  private  prayer  only 
had  not  been  obtained. 

And  with  what  grateful  hearts  this  next  day  of 
thanksgiving  was  kept,  we  need  no  other  evidence 
than  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and  the  cha 
racter  of  the  worshippers  and  of  the  leader  of 
their  worship ;  "a  day,"  concludes  Winslow, 
wt  wherein  we  returned  glory,  honor,  and  praise, 
with  all  thankfulness,  to  our  good  God,  who  dealt 

13  Bradford,  138-9. 


OTHER  ANXIETIES;  SAFE  ARRIVAL  OF  FRIENDS.       297 

so  graciously  with  us  ;  whose  name,  for  these  and 
all  other  mercies,  be  blessed  and  praised  evermore. 
Amen."30 

But  along  with  all  these  incidents  of  struggle 
and  relief,  there  was  still  to  the  Elder,  as  well  as  to 
many  of  the  company,  another  remaining  cause  of 
anxious  concern.  They  had  heard  from  time  to 
time  of  the  fitting  out  of  one  or  more  ships  from 
England  with  other  members  of  their  families, 
and  others  of  their  company,  left  in  Holland  and 
England ;  and  they  had  heard  of  the  changes  and 
delays  of  their  sailing.  And  now  for  three 
months  nothing  further  had  been  heard  of  them, 
except  by  a  Captain  West,21  lately  arrived,  who 
informed  them  of  his  meeting  those  ships  at  sea, 
and  of  the  storm  that  followed,  and  their  probable 
shipwreck.  Fourteen  days,  from  the  arrival  of 
Captain  West,  did  the  Elder  and  his  family,  with 
others,  pass  between  hope  and  fear;  when,  to 
their  great  relief,  the  ship  Ann  arrived  (and  soon 
after,  the  little  James),  bringing  to  the  colony  60 
passengers,  and  to  the  Elder  his  two  daughters, 
Patience  and  Fear.22  The  joyous  welcome  that 
followed  from  the  warm-hearted,  affectionate 
father  and  the  tender  and  now  feeble  mother, 
taking  to  their  hearts  and  homes  in  this  new 
world  their  only,  long  looked-for,  almost  despaired- 
of  daughters,  after  three  years'  separation,  and 

20  Winslow,  in  Young,  351.  22  Winslow,  in  Young,  351-353  ; 

21  Winslow,  do.,  348  ;  Bradford,     and  Bradford,  142-3,  and  notes. 
141. 


298  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

\ 

now  come  to  them  across  the  perilous  ocean,  in 
health,  in  the  freshness  of  young  womanhood,  can 
all  be  better  imagined  than  described. 

But  with  what  deep  concern  must  these  loving 
daughters  have  beheld  the  traces  of  care,  exposure, 
and  famishing  want  in  the  faded  complexions  and 
emaciated  forms  of  their  dearest  ones,  the  cause  of 
which  was  too  plain  in  the  poor  and  scant  fare  set 
before  them.  "  The  best  dish  we  could  present 
them,"  says  Bradford,  speaking  of  the  whole,  "  is 
a  lobster  or  piece  of  fish ,  without  bread,  or  anything 
else  but  a  cup  of  fair  spring  water.77 

"  When  these  passengers  see  our  poor  and  low 
condition,  they  are  much  dismayed,  and  full  of 
sadness."  "  Only  our  old  friends  rejoice  to  see  us, 
and  that  it  is  no  worse,  and  now  hope  we  shall 
enjoy  better  days  together."23 

Of  Elder  Brewster  personally  he  says :  "  He 
bore  his  burden  with  the  rest,  living  many  times 
without  bread  or  corn,  months  together ;  having 
many  times  nothing  but  fish,  and  often  wanting 
that  also." 

But  the  autumn  harvest,  revived  by  the  gentle 
showers,  and  ripened  by  the  favorable  weather 
that  followed,  came  in  plentifully  at  last,  to  the 
great  joy  of  all  hearts. 

By  the  same  ship  also  came  a  letter,  signed  by 
thirteen  of  their  yet  absent  friends,  in  which  they 
write:  "Let  it  not  le  grievous  to  you  that  you  have 

X 

23  Bradford,  145,  146. 


LETTERS  FROM  LEYDEX.  299 

been  instruments  to  break  the  ice  for  others  who 
come  after  with  less  difficulty  ;  the  honor  shall  be 
yours  'to  the  world's  end"  "  The  same  God  who 
hath  so  marvellously  preserved  you  from  seas,  foes, 
and  famine,  will  still  preserve  you,  and  make  you 
honorable  amongst  men,  and  glorious  in  bliss  at 
the  last  day."24 

24  Bradford,  145. 


CHAPTER    XXVI. 

"  That  is  tlie  best  history  which  is  collected  out  of  letters." — BARONIUS. 

IN  the  spring  of  1624,  arrived  the  last  known 
letter  (of  the  20th  of  December  previous),  from 
their  pastor  in  Holland,  addressed  to  Elder  "\Vm. 
Brewster  at  Plymouth,  New  England.  Its  first 
and  last  portions  related  to  the  Elder  and  members 
of  his  family  individually,  while  an  important 
portion  had  respect  to  him,  and  the  Plymouth 
congregation  officially.  And  these  portions,  being 
all  that  relate  to  our  purpose,  are  as  follows : — 

TO  ELDER  BREWSTER. 
"  LOVING  AND  DEAR  FRIEND  AND  BROTHER: 

That  which  I  most  desired  of  God  in  regard 
of  you,  namely,  the  continuance  of  your  life  and 
health,  and  the  safe  coming  of  those  sent  unto 
you — that  I  most  gladly  hear  of,  and  praise  God 
for  the  same.  And  I  hope  Mistress  Brewster's 
weak  and  decayed  state  of  body  will  have  some 
repairing  by  the  coming  of  her  daughters;1  and 
the  provisions  in  this  and  former  ships  I  hear  are 

1  Daughters  Patience  and  Fear  Brewster,  as  stated  in  the  preceding 
chapter. 


ROBINSON'S  LAST  LETTER  TO  THE  ELDER.      301 

made  for  you,  which  makes  us  with  the  more 
patience  bear  our  languishing  state,  and  the  defer 
ring  of  our  desired  transportation,  which  I  call 
desired  rather  than  hoped  for,  whatsoever  you  are 
borne  in  hand  by  any  others.  For,  first,  there  is 
no  hope  at  all  that  I  know,  or  can  conceive  of,  of 
any  new  stock  to  be  raised  for  that  end;  so  that 
all  must  depend  upon  returns  from  you,  in  which 
are  so  many  uncertainties  as  that  nothing  with 
any  certainty  can  thence  be  concluded."  *  *  *  * 
"Now,  touching  the  question  propounded  by  you, 
I  judge  it  not  lawful  for  you,  being  a  ruling  elder 
(as  Romans  xii.  7,  8,  and  1  Timothy  v.  17,  opposed 
to  the  elders  that  teach  and  exhort,  and  labor  in 
the  word  and  doctrine,  to  which  sacraments  are 
annexed),  to  administer  them,  nor  convenient,  if 
it  were  lawful.  Whether  any  learned  man  will 
come  unto  you  or  not,  I  know  not ;  if  any  do,  you 
must  Consilium  capere  in  arena — (Take  counsel 
in  the  time  of  action).  ******  ".Be  you 
most  heartily  saluted,  and  your  wife  with  you, 
both  from  me  and  mine.  Your  God  and  ours, 
and  the  God  of  all  his,  bring  us  together,  if  it  be 
his  will,  and  keep  us  in  the  mean  while,  and  always 
to  his  glory,  and  make  us  serviceable  to  his  ma 
jesty,  and  faithful  to  the  end.  Amen. 
Your  very  loving  brother 

JOHN  ROBINSON.3 
X,  December  20th,  1623." 

2  See  the  whole  letter  in  Bradford,  165-7. 


302  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Here  we  have  a  further  insight  into  some  of  the 
circumstances  of  the  Elder's  family  at  the  time,  and 
a  testimony  of  the  high  and  affectionate  regard  in 
which  he  himself  was  held. 

And  the  official  decision  was  one  of  no  small 
concern  to  the  Plymouth  congregation.  To  the 
question  which  the  Elder  had  propounded  to  Mr. 
llobinson  (for  his  own  satisfaction,  or  that  of 
others),  whether  it  were  lawful  or  expedient  for 
him  as  ruling  elder  to  administer  the  Christian 
sacraments,  Mr.  Robinson  answered,  he  judged  it 
not  lawful,  nor  convenient  if  it  were  lawful. 

We  leave  the  statement  as  it  stands,  as  a 
recorded  fact  without  discussion,  without  any 
added  opinion,  without  gloss  or  disguise,  a  witness 
of  their  pastor's  judgment  in  the  case.3 

Connected  with  this  judgment  of  the  pastor  in 
Holland,  stands  the  other  fact  that  the  Elder  acted 
in  accordance  with  it ;  declining  to  do  the  duties 
of  the  pastoral  office  in  respect  to  the  sacraments, 
however  plausible  the  arguments  for  doing  so,  or 
urgent  the  circumstances  might  seem  to  be.  He 
had  not  been  ordained  to  that  office:  he  would  not 
assume  it.  And  as  to  his  declining  the  pastoral 
office,  writers  have  suggested  his  extreme  modesty 

3  Could  facts  be  always  stated  so  many  faithful,  truthful  wit- 
in  historic  writing  just  as  they  nesses,  ever  ready  to  be  used  for 
were,  history  would  take  the  the  eliciting  or  establishing  of 
place,  and  have  the  authority,  truth.  Immensely  would  this 
which  belongs  to  it.  Facts  would  course  lessen  the  fields  of  angry 
thus  stand  forth  unperverted  as  controversy. 


ELDER'S  OFFICIAL  DUTIES;  SUCCESSFUL  RESULTS.     303 

as  the  cause.4  Yet  in  this,  also,  he  doubtless  acted 
conscientiously.  The  whole  course  of  his  life 
shows  that  he  was  not  the  man  to  do  otherwise. 

The  pastor,  indeed,  hoped  that  himself,  or  some 
other  one,  would  ere  long  come  to  supply  the  defi 
ciency.  When  it  was  objected  against  them,  by 
some  in  England,  that  they  had  not  the  Sacra 
ments,  they  answered :  "  The  more  is  our  grief  that 
our  pastor  is  kept  from  us,  by  whom  we  might 
enjoy  them;  for  we  used  to  have  the  Lord's  supper 
every  Sabbath,  and  baptism  as  often  as  there  was 
occasion  of  children  to  baptize."5 

"With  the  facts  before  us  in  relation  to  the  parts 
of  the  pastoral  office  which  Elder  Brewster  did  not 
perform,  according  to  their  order  of  church  govern 
ment,  we  next  notice  more  specifically  than  we 
have  yet  done,  the  official  duties  which  he  did  per 
form,  and  likewise  how  he  performed  them,  and 
the  results.  Here  we  have  the  words  of  both  pas 
tor  and  elder,  defining  their  views  of  the  duties 
of  the  office: — 

1st.  As  to  "ruling  or  governing."  "Our  elders 
do  administer  their  office  in  admonitions  and  ex 
communications,  for  public  scandals,  publicly,  and 
before  the  congregation."6  In  relation  to  Elder 
Brewster,  says  Bradford,  "  For  the  government  of 
the  church,  which  was  most  proper  to  his  office, 
he  wras  careful  to  preserve  good  order  in  the  same, 
and  to  preserve  purity,  both  in  the  doctrine  and 

4  See  Morton,  Hubbard,  Belknap,  &c. 

5  Bradford,  161,  and  Plymouth  Church  Records. 

6  Bradford,  35. 


304  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

communion,  and  to  suppress  any  error  or  conten 
tion  that  might  begin  to  rise  up  amongst  them." 
And  as  to  the  results  of  his  labors  in  this  particular, 
it  is  added,  "God  gave  good  success  to  his  en 
deavors,  and  he  saw  the  fruit  of  his  labors  herein 
all  his  days." 

2d.  As  to  "teaching."  "We  choose  none  for 
governing  elders  but  such  as  are  able  to  teach." 
Accordingly,  says  Bradford,  of  their  elder,  "  when 
the  church  had  no  other  minister,  he  taught  twice 
every  Sabbath,  and  that  both  powerfully  and  pro 
fitably,  to  the  great  contentment  of  the  hearers, 
and  their  comfortable  edification."  As  to  method, 
"he  was  very  plain  and  distinct  in  what  he  taught; 
by  which  means  he  became  the  more  profitable  to 
his  hearers."  In  manner,  "  he  was  easy  of  speech, 
of  grave  and  deliberate  utterance,  effective  in 
arousing  the  affections."  "  In  prayer,  both  public 
and  private,  he  was  singularly  gifted  in  laying  open 
the  heart  and  conscience  before  God,  in  the  humble 
confession  of  sin,  begging  the  mercies  of  God,  in 

'  OO        o  ' 

Christ,  for  pardon.  He  was  not  long  and  tedious, 
but  divided  his  prayers,  except  upon  solemn  and 
special  occasions,  as  on  days  of  fasting  and  humilia 
tion."  And  as  the  fruits  of  these  labors,  it  is 
added :  "  Many  were  brought  to  God  by  his  min 
istry;  he  did  more  in  this  behalf  in  a  year  than 
many  do  in  all  their  lives."7 

7  Bradford,  413,  and  414,  and  34,     bands;    these   are  mentioned   in 
35.     As  to  his  official  costume,  he     the  Inventory, 
appears  to  have  worn  a  gown  and 


MR.  LYFORD  SENT  TO  BE  THEIR  MINISTER.       305 

From  this  statement  of  his  position  and  labors, 
and  their  results,  we  here  pass  over  various  inci 
dents,  however  interesting,  concerning  the  colony 
in  general,  and  proceed  to  those  which,  henceforth, 
more  than  others,  concerned  the  Elder  and  his 
church  in  particular. 

Mr.  Winslow  having  been  in  England  near  the 
close  of  the  last  year,  and  returning  in  the  spring, 
brought  with  him,  by  the  urgent  request  of  a  por 
tion  of  the  "  merchant  adventurers,"  a  minister 
named  Lyford.  Apparently  he  was  intended  by 
them  to  supply  the  place  of  Mr.  Robinson.  His 
subsequent  course,  however,  proved  him  to  be  of 
no  more  credit  to  those  who  sent,  than  benefit  to 
those  who  received  him. 

Complaisant,  humble,  shedding  many  tears,  and 
blessing  (rod  that  he  had  been  brought  to  see  their 
faces,  he  was  received  by  them  and  entertained  to 
the  best  of  their  ability.  Admitted  at  his  desire 
into  their  church,  he  blessed  God  for  the  oppor 
tunity  and  freedom  of  enjoying  the  ordinances 
in  purity  among  them.  A  larger  allowance  was 
made  him  for  maintenance  than  to  any  other  of 
the  colony.  And  as  the  governor  had  been  ac 
customed  to  consult  in  weighty  matters  with  Elder 
Brewster,  in  council,  with  the  assistants,  he  now 
called  Mr.  Lyford  to  the  same.  Not  long  after, 
however,  it  was  discovered  that  their  confidence  in 
him  was  misplaced.  He  privately  formed  a  party, 
without  notifying  either  the  Elder  or  governor, 
withdrew  and  held  separate  public  meetings,  and 

20 


306  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BKETVSTER. 

wrote  letters  to  certain  ones  in  England  against 
the  colony.  Yet  upon  being  accused  of  this  last, 
he  denied  it ;  but  being  confronted  by  his  own 
letters,  was  confounded.  When  tried  and  con 
victed,  he  confessed  all ;  and  in  the  end  he  was 
sentenced  to  expulsion,  though  with  leave  to  re 
main  six  months.  On  this  being  done,  he  declared 
that  his  sentence  was  far  less  than  he  deserved, 
and  that  what  he  had  written  against  them  was 
false. 

A  like  confession  lie  also  made  before  their 
church ;  and  such  were  the  appearances  of  his 
sincerity  and  repentance,  that  he  was  restored  to 
his  place  of  teacher  as  before.  But  after  a  while, 
he  again  relapsed,  and  again  wrote  to  England, 
affirming  the  truth  of  what  he  had  before  written, 
which  caused  the  "  adventurers"  yet  further  trouble. 

He  was  invited  the  next  season,  as  minister,  to 
a  new  plantation  at  Nantasket.  In  the  mean  time 
Mr.  Winslow,  being  again  in  England,  the  "  ad 
venturers"  there  took  the  matter  in  hand ;  when 
on  Lyford's  former  misbehavior  in  Ireland  being 
disclosed,  for  which  he  had  been  forced  to  leave 
that  kingdom,  it  was  resolved  by  the  Moderators, 
to  whom  the  case  was  committed  for  decision,  that 
his  conduct  at  New  Plymouth  was  sufficient  cause 
for  his  rejection,  and  that  this  further  disclosure 
rendered  him  unmeet  longer  to  do  the  duties  of 
the  ministry.  We  may  well  imagine  how  sore  a 
trial  all  this  must  have  been  to  the  Elder,  who 
doubtless  presided  in  all  their  church  meetings  on 


RESULTS  OF  THE  LYFORD  DIFFICULTY.  807 

the  subject,  and  must  have  witnessed  and  passed 
through  the  excitement  caused  by  it  in  his  New 
Plymouth  congregation.  Greatly  must  he  have 
feared  its  effects  likewise  among  those  friendly  or 
unfriendly  to  their  principles  of  church*  order  in 
England.8 

What  might  have  been  the  result  in  the  Ply 
mouth  colony  had  the  company  in  England  sent 
over  an  enlightened  and  worthy  minister,  imbued 
with  the  spirit  of  his  Divine  Master,  and  truly 
sympathizing  with  this  people  in  their  trials,  yet 
conscientiously  attached  to  the  Church  of  England, 
while  he  disapproved  of  the  oppressive  acts  of  the 
court,  and  of  the  course  of  all  who  sustained  those 
acts,  we  are  not  called  upon  to  decide,  or  even  to 
conjecture.  Our  business  is  with  what  did,  and 
not  with  what  might  have  taken  place. 

Of  Elder  Brewster's  public  labors  during  this 
period,  even  while  in  connection  with  the  other 
minister,  we  have  ample  testimony  in  the  following 
record :  "Our  revered  Elder  hath  labored  dili 
gently  in  dispensing  the  word  of  God  unto  us  be 
fore  he  (Lyford)  came ;  and  since  hath  taken  equal 
pains  with  himself  in  preaching  the  same  ;  and  be 
it  spoken  without  ostentation,  he  is  not  inferior  to 


8  Bradford,  171,  173,  175,  192,     of  any  further  care  or  aid  for  the 
196.    The  result  was,  the  breaking     colony. — Bradford,  196. 
up  of   the  company  of  merchant         Mr.  Lyford  went  from.  Plymouth 
adventurers,  and  the  relinquish-     and  officiated  at  Nantasket,  then 
rnent,  by  the  greater  part  of  them,     at  Naumkeug,  or  Salem,  and  thence 

to  Virginia,  where  he  died. 


308  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETTSTER. 

Mr.  Lyford  (and  some  of  his  superiors),9  either  in 

1  gifts  or  learning,  though  he  would  never  be  per 
suaded  to  take  higher  office  upon  him."10 

At  the  election  of  officers  this  spring  (1624)  the 
governor -desired  the  people  to  elect  another  than 
himself,  as  the  opportunity  to  do  this  was  the 
object  of  a  yearly  election.  If  it  were  an  honor 
or  benefit  to  be  elected,  it  was  meet  that  others 
should  be  partakers;  if  a  burden,  others  should 
help  to  bear  it.  But  they  elected  the  same 
governor  with  five  assistants  in  place  of  one,  and 
gave  the  governor  a  double  vote  /u 

This  spring,  also,  Mr.  Winslow  brought  over 
with  him  from  England  four  neat  kine,  "  the  first 
in  the  land,"12  a  fact  which  brings  vividly  to  mind 
the  sore  deprivation  hitherto  endured  in  this  par 
ticular,  and  of  the  now  anticipated  luxury  of  milk, 
cream,  and  butter. 

At  this  time,  the  people  requested  of  the 
governor  land  for  continued  possession,  and  not 
by  lot  yearly,  as  before;  and  hence  was  granted 
one  acre  to  each  person,  and  as  near  the  town  as 
practicable,  for  safer  and  easier  defence.13 

The  acre  granted  to  the  Elder,  as  well  as  those 
to  some  others,  might  probably  be  yet  recognized 
by  the  necessary  search.  No  more  land  was 
granted  until  the  expiration  of  the  seven  years, 

9  Original  " letters."  I2  Bradford,  158. 

10  Bradford,  187-8.  13  Do.,  167. 

11  Prince,    145 ;    and    Bradford, 
156. 


MARRIAGE  AND  OTHER  INCIDENTS.  309 

or  rather  until  the    closing  of  the  term   of  the 
original  contract  with  the  adventurers  in  London. 

As  to  the  amount  or  extent  of  the  "  fisheries" 
on  the  coast  of  New  England  this  year,  the  report- 
presents  the  number  of  fifty  ships  from  England.14 
Few  of  them,  however,  visited  New  Plymouth. 

On  the  5th  of  August  of  this  year,  was  an 
occurrence  in  the  family  of  the  Elder,  an  event  of 
no  small  interest  in  every  family  wherever  it  takes 
place.  It  was  the  marriage  of  his  daughter,  Pa 
tience  Brewster,  with  Mr.  Thomas  Prince.  Thus 
were  they  "bride  and  bridegroom,  pilgrims  for 
life,  henceforward  to  travel  together."  Mr.  Prince  f , 
came  to  the  colony  more  than  Jour  years  previous 
ly,  in  the  ship  Fortune,  had  brought  a  respectable , 
patrimony,  and  was  now  in  his  24th  year.  He 
was  frequently  elected  assistant  to  the  governor,, 
and  afterwards  governor.15  It  was  the  ninth  mar 
riage  in  the  colony.  At  the  close  of  this  year, 
there  were  in  the  colony  about  180  persons,  32 
dwelling-houses,  and  a  well  built  fort  of  wood, 
lime,  and  stone,  on  "  Fort  Hill"  (now  Burial  Hill), 
with  a  fair  "  watch  tower,"  as  well  as  the  com 
modious  room  for  public  worship.  The  town  had 
been  surrounded  by  palisades,  about  half  a  mile  in 
compass  ;  and  they  had  just  returned  a  ship  of  180 
tons,  with  a  valuable  cargo,  to  the  "  adventurers" 
in  London. 


14  Prince. 

15  Moore's  Memoirs  of  American  Governors,  139. 


310  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

The  settlement  was  healthful,  not  one  of  their 
company  having  died  since  the  close  of  the  first 
year,  notwithstanding  their  extreme  suffering  and 
want.  All  of  which  success  no  one  could  have 
viewed  with  more  interest  than  he  who,  from  the 
first,  had  been  a  chief  promoter  of  the  under 
taking. 


CHAPTER    XX  VII. 

Human  life  is  checkered  at  the  best, 

And  joy  and  grief  alternately  preside. — TRACY. 

DURING  the  year  1625,  the  affairs  of  the  Ply 
mouth  colony  were  internally  more  encouraging 
than  in  any  previous  year.  They  had  general 
health,  were  at  peace  with  the  Indians,  and  their 
planting  had  resulted  in  a  good  supply  of  corn. 
But  externally,  in  respect  to  their  connection  with 
the  merchant  adventurers  in  London,  their  pros 
pects  were  assuming  a  gloomy  aspect.  Many  of 
those  adventurers  had  entered  into  the  agreement, 
at  first,  as  a  mere  business  speculation,  and  for 
large  profits,  and  had  found  themselves  dis 
appointed.  The  losses  at  sea,  including  the  loss 
of  a  large  portion  of  what  the  new  colonists  had 
been  able  to  return  to  them,  with  the  unsettled 
and  trying  times,  had  discouraged  or  embarrassed 
others.  While  party  spirit  and  contentions, 
greatly  aggravated  by  the  late  Lyford  difficulty, 
caused  disaffection  and  deep  chagrin  in  many 
more.  The  largest  portion  of  them,  therefore, 
discouraged,  disappointed,  or  alienated,  withdrew, 


312         *  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETTSTER. 

and  broke  up  the  connection.1  It  is  true  that  the 
case  of  the  adventurers  was  hard,  hut  harder  had 
been  that  of  the  colonists.  These  had  entered 
into  the  engagement  on  hard  terms,  at  first.2 
Their  losses  by  death  had  been  many ;  and,  after 
five  long  years  of  unexampled  trials  and  efforts, 
still  further  aid  was  needed  by  them  from  abroad. 
In  this  state  of  things,  those  of  the  adventurers 
who  stood  firm  to  their  original  purpose,  and  were 
disposed  to  act  further  in  the  business,  finding 
themselves  left  with  a  debt  of  1400  pounds,  now 
addressed  the  New  Plymouth  people  accordingly : 
"  The  thing  we  feared  is  come  upon  us,  and  the 
evil  we  strove  against  has  overtaken  us,  yet  we 
cannot  forget  you,  nor  our  friendship  and  fellow 
ship  together."  "  You  and  we  are  left  to  bethink 
ourselves  what  course  to  take  in  the  future,  that 
your  lives  and  our  moneys  be  not  lost."  "  We 
hope  you  will  do  your  best  to  free  our  engage 
ments.  Let  us  all  endeavor  to  keep  an  honest 
cause,  and  see  what  time  will  bring  forth,  and 
how  God  in  his  providence  will  work  for  us.  We 
are  still  persuaded  you  are  the  people  that  must 
make  a  plantation  in  those  remote  places  when  all 
others  fail  and  return.  And  your  experience  of 
God's  providence  and  preservation  is  such  as  we 
hope  your  hearts  will  not  fail  you,  though  your 
friends  should  forsake  you  (which  we  ourselves 

1  Brad.,  196-200.  2  See  on  page  206. 


DILEMMA;    ANOTHER  LOSS  AT  SEA.  313 


shall  not  do  whilst  we  live,  so  long  as  your 
honesty  so  well  appeareth)."3  *  *  * 

In  return,  fresh  efforts  were  made  by  the 
colonists  to  meet  the  expectations  of  those  friends 
in  whose  hands  the  claims  and  remaining  business 
of  that  association  were  now  left.  All  that  these 
could  obtain  in  the  way  of  trade  was  immediately 
collected  and  forwarded  by  the  returning  ship. 
But  here  again  were  both  adventurers  and  colon 
ists  to  meet  with  another  discouragement.  This 
ship,  after  a  prosperous  voyage,  even  into  the 
entrance  of  the  English  Channel,  was  captured 
with  her  freight  of  beaver  and  other  furs  and 
lading,  by  a  Turkish  man-of-war,  and  her  men 
carried  into  captivity.  In  this  state  of  their 
affairs,  war  threatening  the  country,  and  the 
plague  raging  frightfully  in  London,  and  all  busi 
ness  at  a  stand,  little  could  the  colonists'  agent  do 
in  procuring  the  means,  and  making  purchases, 
even  at  exorbitant  prices,  for  the  next  season's 
supply  of  clothing  and  goods  for  trade.  Some 
first  steps,  however,  were  taken  towards  a  final 
compromise  with  the  remaining  first  adventurers. 

In  their  church,  under  the  continued  direction 
and  teaching  of  their  elder,  notwithstanding  the 
check  received  from  Lyford's  untoward  course,  the 
number  of  members  appears  to  have  increased.4 

This  year  also  was  there  another  marriage  in  the 
Elder's  family,  that  of  his  other  remaining  daughter, 

3  Brad.,  198-200.  4  Bradford,  189. 


314  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Fear  Brewster,  to  Mr.  Isaac  Allerton,  the  first,  and 
for  several  years,,  the  only  assistant  to  the  governor. 
He  was  in  about  his  36th  year,  had  lost  his  first 
wife  about  five  years  before,  soon  after  their  land 
ing  from  the  Mayflower,  was  one  of  their  principal 
men,  much  engaged  in  public  affairs,  and  was  sub 
sequently  confidential  agent  in  England.5 

Passing  on  to  the  year  1626,  and  early  in  that 
year,  we  find  the  first  arrival  of  information  of 
two  occurrences  which  had  taken  place  more  than 
a  year  before,  so  long  was  it  ere  the  news  reached 
them.  The  first,  and  that  which  most  intimately 
concerned  them  as  a  congregation,  was  the  death 
of  their  pastor  in  Holland. 

Sad  to  them,  and  unexpected,  was  this  news. 
Sudden  and  discouraging  was  his  death.  He  had 
been  strongly  attached  to  them,  and  they  to  him. 
Now  in  the  prime  of  life,  he  had  proved  himself 
to  be  a  man  of  marked  ability,  piety,  and  varied 
attainments.  All  along  had  he  desired,  and  they 
of  Plymouth  expected  him  to  come  to  them,  with 
the  remaining  portion  of  their  people  in  Leyden, 
and  minister  to  the  wrhole  again,  as  he  before  had 
done ;  but  want  of  means,  and  the  opposing  influ 
ence  of  those  who  had  chief  control  among  the 
merchant  adventurers,  had  prevented.  That  ex 
pectation  was  now  at  an  end.  Their  elder  was 
now  officially,  as  he  had  been  before  virtually,  the 
chief  teacher  and  guide  of  the  pilgrim  band. 

5  Prince  and  Bradford. 


POSITION  AND  PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  PILGRIMS.       315 

Here  it  is  matter  worthy  of  inquiry,  what  were 
the  religious  characteristics  of  Mr.  Robinson,  with 
whom  the  Elder  had  been  intimately  associated 
for  at  least  13  years,  in  England  and  Holland,  and 
with  whom  he  had  held  most  friendly  correspond 
ence  now  some  four  years  more  I  Also,  what  were 
his  and  the  Elder's  position  in  relation  to  brethren 
of  the  Church  of  England  1  And  what  was  their 
distinctive  position  in  relation  to  the  other  sepa 
rate  congregations  with  whom  they  were  classed  1 
That  they  held,  doctrinally,  the  great  principles 
then  held  in  the  Church  of  England,  has  already 
been  stated.  Were  there  any  doubts  on  this  point, 
they  must  at  once  be  dispelled  by  the  following 
"  seven  articles  which  the  Church  of  Leyden  sent 
to  the  Council  of  England,  to  be  considered  of  in 
respect  of  their  judgments  occasioned  about  their 
going  to  Virginia."  These  are  the  "  seven  articles" 
mentioned  by  Sir  Edwin  Sandys  in  his  letter  to 
Mr.  Robinson  and  the  Elder,  Nov.  12,  1617,  and 
lately  brought  to  light.  We  present  them  here 
entire,  with  the  original  spelling  and  contractions, 
as  an  important  addition  to  our  history  in  this  con 
nection,  and  as  a  matter  of  curiosity  to  some  of 
our  readers,  showing  the  manner  in  which  the  En 
glish  language  was  written  even  by  good  scholars 
of  that  day: — 


316  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREVrSTER. 


[STATE  PAPER  OFFICE,  AMERICA  AND  WEST  INDIES, 
VIRGINIA.] 

Seven  Artikes  which  ye  Church  of  Leyden  sent 
to  yc  Counsel!  of  England  to  bee  considered  of  in 
respeckt  of  their  judgments  occationed  about  their 
going  to  Virginia. 

1.  To  ye  confession  of  fayth  published  in  ye  name 
of  ye  Church  of  England  &  to  every  artikell  theerof 
wee  do  wth  ye  reformed  churches  wheer  wee  live 
&  also  els  where  assent  wholy. 

2.  As  wee  do  acknolidg  ye  docktryne  of  fayth 
theer  tawght  so  do  wee  ye  fruites  and  effeckts  of 
ye  same  docktryne  to  ye  begetting  of  saving  fayth  in 
thousands  in  ye  land  (conformistes  &  reformistes) 
as  ye  ar  called  wth  whom  also  as  wth  our  bretheren 
wee  do  desyer  to  keepe  sperituall  communion  in 
peace  and  will  pracktis  in  our  parts  all   lawfull 
thinges. 

S.  The  King's  Majesty  wee  acknolidg  for  Su- 
preame  Governer  in  his  Dominion  in  all  causes 
and  over  all  parsons,  and  y*  none  maye  decklyne  or 
apeale  from  his  authority  or  judgment  in  any  cause 
whatsoever,  but  y*  in  all  thinges  obedience  is  dewe 
unto  him,  ether  active,  if  ye  thing  commanded  be 
not  agaynst  God's  woord,  or  passive  yf  itt  bee, 
except  pardon  can  bee  obtayned. 

4.  Wee  judg  itt  lawfull  for  his  Majesty  to 
apoynt  bishops,  civill  overseers,  or  officers  in 
awthoryty  onder  hime,  in  ye  severall  provinces, 


SEVEX  ARTICLES  OF  THE  LEYDEX  CHURCH.         317 

dioses,  congregations  or  parrishes  to  oversee  ye 
Churches  and  governe  them  civilly  according  to  ye 
Lawes  of  ye  Land,  untto  whom  ye  ar  in  all  thinges 
to  geve  an  account  &  by  them  to  bee  ordered 
according  to  Godly nes. 

5.  The  authoryty  of  ye  present  bishops  in  ye 
Land  wee  do  acknolidg  so  far  forth  as  yc  same  is 
indeed  derived  from  his  Majesty  untto  them  and 
as  ye  proseed  in  his  name,  whom   wee  will  also 
theerein  honor  in  all  things  and  hime  in  them. 

6.  Wee  beleeve  yt  no  sinod,  classes,  convocation 
or  assembly  of  Ecclesiasticall    Officers   hath  any 
power  or  awthoryty  att  all  but  as  y°  same  by  ye 
Majestraet  geven  unto  them. 

7.  Lastly,  wee  desyer  to  geve  untto  all  Superiors 
dew  honnor  to  preserve  ye  unity  of  y°  speritt  wth 
all  y*  feare  God,  to  have  peace  wth  all  men  what 
in  us  lyeth  &  wheerein  wee  err  to  bee  instructed 
by  any.     Subscribed  by 

JOHN  ROBINSOX. 

and 
WILLIAM  BREWSTER.6 


6  See  in  the  Collections  of  the  debted   for  the   discovery  of  the 

New  York  Historical  Society,  Se-  original  manuscript  of  Bradford's 

cond   Series,  vol.    iii.,  just   pub-  History  of  the  Plymouth  Colony, 

lished.  and  of  Mr.  Anderson,  who  more 

Mr.  Bancroft,  in  presenting  the  distinctly  announced  to  the  world 

copy  of  the  original  to  this  society  that   the   original   manuscript  of 

for  publication,  remarks  :  "  None  that   long-  lost  work  was    in   the 

of  the  successors  of  Prince  seem  library  of  the  Bishop  of  London, 

to  have  been  aware  of  the  exist-  "  These  Seven  Articles,  not  in- 

ence  of  this  document.    It  escaped  serted     in     Bradford's    History," 

the  notice  of  Bishop  Wilberforce,  though  "referred  to  on"  pages  30 

to   whom  America   is   deeply  in-  and  31,  "seem  to  have  slumbered 


318 


LIFE  AXD  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREAVSTER. 


But  were  Mr.  Robinson,  the  Elder,  or  their 
people,  Brownists,  or  "  rigid  separatists,"  as  many 
writers  have  called  them'?  or  did  they  say  and 
teach — as  did  Robert  Brown,  or  Mr.  Smith,  or  other 
rigid  separatists — that  the  Church  of  England  was 
no  true  church,  that  it  was  sinful  or  wrong  to  attend 
its  worshipping  assemblies,  or  hear  the  preaching 
of  the  Word  therein  V  Though  this  has  been  in 
part  answered,  yet  here  again  it  is  meet  that  they 


unnoticed  for  more  than  two  cen 
turies,  among  the  Virginia  vol 
umes  in  the  State  Paper  Office  in 
Westminster.  The  copy  I  send 
you  was  made  for  me  by  Mr. 
Sainsbury,  a  clerk  in  that  office, 
in  whose  accuracy  I  have  entire 
confidence." — Mr.  Bancroft's  Let 
ter  preparatory  to  said  Articles, 
New  York,  Oct.  3,  1856. 

7  The  language  of  the  extreme 
separatists  was  :  "  We  confidently 
deny  that  ever  the  English  nation, 
or  any  one  of  our  predecessors, 
were  of  the  faith  of  Christ,  or  at 
any  time  believed  visibly  in  a 
true  constituted  church,  but  were 
come  of  the  race  of  the  pagans,  till 
Rome  the  mother  came,  and  put 
upon  us  her  false  baptism,  worship, 
and  ministry,  and  so  our  case  is 
simply  paganish."  "  Your  Church 
of  England,  being  of  Antichrist's 
constitution,  is  a  false  church — 
hath  a  false  constitution,  a  false 
ministry,  a  false  worship,  a  false 
government,  and  a  false  baptism, 
the  door  and  entry  into  the  church ; 
and  so  all  is  false  in  your  church." 


— Letter  from  two  of  Mr.  Smith's 
Church,  in  Hunter's  Appendix,  p. 
171. 

And  the  very  bitter  language, 
(such  as  we  like  not  to  quote,  did 
not  historic  faithfulness  require 
it),  used  by  that  same  Mr.  Smith, 
even  against  Mr.  Robinson  and  his 
people,  because  they  would  not  go 
to  the  same  extreme  as  himself, 
was  such  as  this  :  "  Be  it  known, 
therefore,  to  all  the  separation, 
that  we  account  them,  in  respect 
to  their  constitution,  to  be  as  very 
a  harlot  as  either  her  mother,  the 
Church  of  England,  or  her  grand 
mother,  Rome  is,  &c." — Smith's 
"Character  of  the  Beast."  Bp. 
Hall's  works,  vol.  vii.  385,  ix.  409. 

One  reason  of  Mr.  Robinson  and 
people's  removing  from  Amster 
dam  to  Leyden,  was  the  extreme 
rigidness,  in  some  particulars,  of 
Mr.  Smith  and  others  who.  were 
there  before  them. — Brad.,  in 
Young,  441,  446  ;  and  Win  slow, 
in  Prince,  87,  88.  How  different 
from  all  this  was  the  language  of 
Robinson  and  his  people  ! 


MODERATED,  XOT  EXTREME  TIER'S.      319 

should  speak  for  themselves.  "  For  myself  (says 
Mr.  Robinson),  I  believe  with  my  heart  before 
God,  and  profess  with  my  tongue,  and  have  before 
the  world,  that  I  have  one  and  the  same  faith, 
hope,  spirit,  baptism,  and  Lord,  which  I  had  in 
the  Church  of  England,  and  none  other ;  that  I 
esteem  so  many  in  that  church,  of  what  state  or 
order  soever,  as  are  truly  partakers  of  that  faith, 
(as  I  account  many  thousands  to  be),  for  my  Chris 
tian  brethren,  and  myself,  a  fellow  member  with 
them  of  that  one  mystical  body  of  Christ,  scattered 
far  and  wide  throughout  the  world,  that  I  have 
al \vays,  in  spirit  and  affection,  all  Christian  fellow 
ship  and  communion  with  them,  and  am  most 
ready  in  all  outward  actions  and  exercises  of  reli 
gion,  lawful  and  lawfully  to  be  done,  to  express 
the  same ;  and  withal,  that  I  am  persuaded  the 
hearing  of  the  wrord  of  God  there  preached,  in  the 
manner  and  upon  the  grounds  formerly  mentioned, 
both  lawful,  and  upon  occasion  necessary  for  me 
and  all  true  Christians,  withdrawing  from  that 
hierarchical  order  of  church  government  and 
ministry,  and  the  appurtenances  thereof,  &c."3 
Such,  then,  were  his  distinctive  views.  "  And," 
says  Winslow,  "  if  any  joining  to  us  formerly, 
either  when  we  lived  at  Leyclen,  in  Holland,  or 
since  we  came  to  New  England,  have  with  the 
manifestation  of  their  faith  and  profession  of  holi- 


8  Robinson's    works.      Treatise     England  ;"  also  in  Young's  Chroni- 
"  Of  the  Lawfulness  of  Hearing  of    cles,  Notes  400-401. 
the  Ministers    of  the    Church    of 


320  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

ness,  held  forth  therewith  separation  from  the 
Church  of  England,  I  have  divers  times,  both  in 
the  one  place  and  the  other,  heard  either  Mr. 
Robinson,  onr  pastor,  or  Mr.  Brewster,  our  elder, 
stop  them  forthwith,  showing  them  that  we  re 
quired  no  such  things  at  their  hands,  leaving  the 
Church  of  England  to  themselves,  and  to  the  Lord, 
before  whom  they  should  stand  or  fall."3  The 
application  to  them  of  the  terms  "  Brownists," 
"  rigid  separatists,"  he  pronounces  "  another  gross 
mistake."  "Very  injurious  it  is  (says  Bradford), 
to  call  those  after  his  (Brown's)  name,  whose  per 
son  they  never  knew,  and  whose  writings,  few,  if  any 
of  them  ever  saw,  and  whose  errors  and  backslid- 
ings  they  have  constantly  borne  witness  against."10 
And  Robinson  adds,  again,  on  parting  with  them 
at  Leyden,  "  Use  all  means  to  avoid  and  shake  off 
the  name  of  Brownist,  being  a  mere  nickname  and 
brand  to  make  religion  and  the  professors  of  it 
odious  to  the  Christian  world."11  Hence  they 
have  been  called  semi-  (half)  separatists  ;  and  Mr. 
Robinson,  a  "  principal  overthrower  of  the  Brown 
ists,"  "ruining  the  rigid  separation,"  by  "allow 
ing  the  lawfulness  of  communicating  with  the  Church 
of  England  in  the  Word  and  prayer  "^ 

Thus  much,  at  least,  justice  to    the    cause  of 

9  Winslow,  in  Young,  389,  400.         I0  Bradford,  in  Young,  444. 
/  "  Tis  true  (says  he),  Mr.  Robinson         »  In  Young,  397-8. 
was  more  rigid  in  his  course  and         12  Prince's  Annals,  ST. 
way  at  first  than  towards  his  latter 
end." 


DEATH  OF  KING  JAMES;    HIS  ACTS.  321 

historic  truth,  justice  to  their  late  pastor,  justice 
to  the  Elder,  and  to  the  distinctive  views  of  them 
selves  and  people,  seem  to  have  been  demanded, 
in  order  to  show  their  position  relative  to  the 
Established  Church,  and  other  separating  congre 
gations  with  whom,  in  many  things,  they  sym 
pathized. 

But  there  was  another  occurrence,  within  a 
month  after  the  preceding,  the  news  of  which 
came  by  the  same  ship  from  England,  and  which 
also  deeply  concerned  the  New  Plymouth  colony. 

On  the  27th  of  March,  old  style,  1625  (being 
on  Sunday),  died  James  the  First  of  England ;  and 
he  was  succeeded  by  his  only  remaining  son,  the 
first  Charles.13 

During  all  the  twenty-two  years  of  James'  reign 
in  England,  as  well  as  during  some  twenty  of  the 
preceding  years  of  Elizabeth,  had  Brewster  been 
an  observer  of  their  public  measures ;  and  in  some 
of  them  had  he  been  personally  interested.  One 
of  these  measures,  pressed  to  extremes  by  James, 
had  caused  the  pilgrim  movement,  and  the  Elder's 
present  position  in  the  New  World. 

What  his  reflections  now  were  (for  he  was  a 
man  of  reflection),  on  hearing  of  the  death  of  his 
earthly  sovereign,  and  while  casting  his  thoughts 
back,  and  reviewing  the  whole  period,  it  would  be 
interesting  to  know,  and  we  might  perhaps  easily 
conjecture,  but  we  have  no  recorded  evidence. 


13  Prince  Maurice,  of  Orange,  also  died  this  same  year. 
21 


322  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETVSTER. 

The  evidence  is  clear,  however,  that  towards  that 
sovereign,  in  his  legitimately  approved  acts,  he 
had  himself  ever  shown  a  spirit  of  loyalty ;  one 
arbitrary  measure  only  excepted ;  and  in  respect 
to  that,  he  had  been  willing  to  suffer. 

Even  while  in  Holland,  self-exiled,  and  under 
the  protection  of  the  states,  he  and  his  pastor  gave 
evidence  how  "grievous  it  was  to  them  to  live 
from  under  the  state, "  away  from  the  people  and 
the  institutions  of  England.  And,  in  view  of 
their  removal  from  Holland  to  some  other  land, 
no  tempting  offers  of  gain,  no  inducements  what 
ever,  could  draw  him  or  his  people  from  their 
desire  and  purpose  to  live  under  England's  govern 
ment  and  shield.  With  their  own  hands  did 
pastor  and  elder  write  to  those  in  authority,  ex 
pressing  all  this,14  and  their  willingness,  not  only 
to  take  anew  "  the  oath  of  allegiance"  (submis 
sion  and  obedience  to  the  king  as  temporal  sove 
reign,  independent  of  any  other  power  on  earth), 
but  "  the  oath  of  supremacy  (say  they)  we  shall 
willingly  take  if  it  be  required  of  us" — acknow 
ledging  the  king  as  civilly  the  head  of  the  church.15 
The  practical  carrying  out  of  the  same  was  shown 
in  the  first  and  last  words  of  the  solemn  compact 
on  board  the  Mayflower.  To  the  same  effect  was 
the  late  joint  letter  to  the  Weston  people,  urging 
them  to  fulfil  the  "worthy  ends  of  the  king's 
majesty  and  honorable  council  for  New  England. 

14  Winslow,  in  Young,  381. 

15  Bradford,  34,  as  well  as  the  Seven  Articles. 


REFLECTIONS  UPON  THE  ACTS  OF  JAMES.         323 

in  the  peaceable  enlargement  of  his  majesty's 
dominions,  and  the  propagation  of  the  Christian 
faith,"  as  their  bonnden  dnty.  Upon  all  this, 
therefore,  wonld  the  Elder  look  back,  in  respect 
to  king  and  country,  with  an  approving  conscience. 

Even  in  respect  to  that,  wherein  was  the  offend 
ing  point — that,  where  men,  Christian  men, 
thought,  judged,  and  acted  differently,  in  respect 
to  obedience  to  sovereign  authority  enforcing  by 
arbitrary  will  a  certain  church  order  and  cere 
mony — even  in  this  (whatever  different  minds 
might  judge  to  be  right  or  wrong),  he  would  feel 
that  himself  had  quietly  submitted  to  the  penal 
ties  ;  acting  with  no  ill  will  to  his  sovereign,  but 
with  faithfulness  to  his  God.16 

But  other  things  than  these  from  the  past  would 
his  memory  bring  up  for  review.  With  regrets 
had  he  seen  the  day  when  that  sovereign,  leaving 
the  Protestant  states  to  struggle  for  themselves, 
and  violating  his  pledges  to  the  Protestant  cause, 
had  negotiated  long  to  unite  his  son  to  a  princess 
of  Spain,  and  finally  contracted  for  him  a  marriage 
with  a  French  princess,  to  bring  into  his  court  the 
influence  of  an  opposite  faith,  at  the  same  time 
neglecting  his  own  Protestant  daughter,  suffering 
her  dominion  (the  Palatinate)  to  be  despoiled,  and 
that  daughter  and  her  children  to  be  driven  for 
shelter  wherever  she  could  find  it. 


16  This  was  the  teaching  of  Luther;   it  was  also  the  teaching  of 
Robinson;  see  his  "Just  and  Necessary  Apology." 


324  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

He  had  seen  the  day  when  his  majesty  could 
barter  away  for  his  own  personal  use,  the  treaty 
claim  upon  Holland,  left  by  Elizabeth,  of  over 
£800,000,  surrendering  ingloriously,  for  one-third 
of  that  sum,  those  cautionary  towns,  and  even 
that  Flushing  and  its  fortresses,  of  which  he 
(Brewster)  had  once  held  the  keys  in  the  service 
of  the  Queen. 

He  had  seen  the  day  when  his  sovereign  had 
resorted  to  the  high-handed  acts  of  committing  to 
the  Tower  eminent  statesmen,  like  his  friend,  Sir 
Edwin  Sandys,  for  asserting  the  right  of  freedom 
of  debate  on  matters  of  state  in  their  places  in 
Parliament.17 

He  had  seen  the  time  when  the  King,  in  places 
lately  filled  by  such  able  statesmen  as  Elizabeth 
assembled  about  her,  had,  from  mere  humor  or 
fancy  of  a  fine  person,  raised  suddenly  to  posts  of 
highest  honor  and  trust,  and  endowed  with 
princely  estates  the  low  and  the  ignorant  ;18  coun- 

17  Parliamentary      Records      of  have  in  his  new  position.     The 
1620-22.  archbishop  told  him  he  had  three 

18  The  case  of  Villiers,  entitled  lessons    to    give   him :    First,   to 
Buckingham,  is  a  striking  illus-  pray    without     ceasing     for     the 
tration.     We  introduce  the  inci-  king's  prosperity,  and  for  grace  to 
dent  as  narrated  by  the  historian  serve  his  master  faithfully.     Se- 
Rapin.     Raised  suddenly  by  the  condly,   to    labor    continually  to 
King   from  obscurity  to    a    high  preserve    a   good   union  between 
office  of  state,  with  no  other  quali-  the    King,    Queen,    and    Prince. 
fications  than  an  attractive  person,  Thirdly,  to  tell  the  King  nothing 
and  such  qualities  as  struck  the  but  the  truth.     Then  the  bishop 
fancy   of  the   sovereign,   Villiers  caused  him  to   repeat  these  three 
applied   to    the  archbishop  (Ab-  lessons  before   him,  to   see   if  he 
bott)   for  instruction  how  to  be-  retained  them.     The  King,  hear- 


BRIGHT  SPOTS  IN  JAMES*  COURSE.  325 

tenancing,  also,  in  his  court  revolting  intermix 
tures  of  profanity,  excess,  and  licentiousness,  with 
professions  of  religion. 

All  this,  and  far  more,  equally  painful  to  con 
template,  had  the  Elder  witnessed  in  his  late  sove 
reign's  course.  Again,  on  the  other  hand,  along 
the  line  of  that  course  he  had  seen  bright  spots 
(for  some  bright  spots  there  really  were).  Among 
these  he  could  call  to  mind  that  act  by  which 
James  yielded  to  the  firm  decision  of  Chief  Justice 
Coke  and  his  associates,  and  gave  the  first  blow, 
which  was  a  prelude  to  the  final  death  blow,  to 
the  illegal  power  of  the  High  Commission  Court. 
And  yet  there  had  been  another  act,  which  shone 
conspicuously  above  all  others  in  the  King's  life. 
At  his  suggestion,  and  under  his  authority,  was 
undertaken  and  executed,  by  some  of  the  ablest 
scholars  in  his  kingdom,  "  the  authorized  transla 
tion  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  into  the  English  lan 
guage  :"  a  translation  unrivalled  in  its  faithfulness 
to  the  originals,  in  its  majestic  dignity  yet  sim 
plicity  of  style — most  wisely  suited  to  reach  the 
minds  and  hearts  of  the  learned  and  unlearned ; 
a  work  that  has  even  done  more  than  all  others  to 
develop  the  power,  scope,  and  beauty  of  the  En 
glish  tongue.  Of  which  work,  though  nearly 
250  years  have  elapsed  since  its  completion,  there 

ing  of  this,  said  the  lessons  were     could  afterwards  say,  he  was  too 
worthy  of  a  bishop.     And  yet  of    much  of  a  Puritan  for  him. 
this     very    bishop    King    James 


326  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

could  even  now,  after  all  the  researches  of  later 
times,  be  made  but  few  improvements. 

Yet,  to  glance  no  further  at  those  acts  in  the 
life  of  James,  which  evidently,  from  all  the  cir 
cumstances,  and  from  the  volumes  in  his  library, 
shared  the  thoughts  and  contemplations  of  the 
Elder,  we  shall  allude  to  but  one  fact  more.  It 
was  the  apprehension  of  still  more  oppressive  mea 
sures  under  the  reign  of  his  son.  And  how  fully 
these  apprehensions  were  realized,  the  history  of 
Charles  the  First  bears  but  too  abundant  testi 
mony. 

Returning  again  to  affairs  of  immediate  concern 
in  the  colony,  we  find  them  still  internally  improv 
ing.  Their  grounds,  by  diligent  cultivation,  yielded 
an  encouraging  harvest ;  and  there  was  some  sur 
plus  with  which  to  trade  with  the  natives.  But 
in  respect  to  their  connection  with  the  adventurers 
in  London,  all  was  becoming  extremely  embarrass 
ing.  Indeed,  there  was  now  an  approaching  crisis. 
One  year  more  would  end  the  seven  years,  when, 
according  to  the  original  agreement,  all  that 
belonged  to  the  colony  would  be  subject  to  a 
general  division  and  distribution  among  the  share 
holders  in  England  as  well  as  themselves.  Thus 
the  lands  they  had  cultivated,  the  houses  they  had 
built  amidst  so  much  suffering,  and  their  whole 
stock,  might,  to  a  large  extent,  go  into  the  hands 
of  others.  And,  more  than  all,  their  name  and 
character  for  integrity  and  honesty,  as  Christians, 
would  be  called  in  question,  if  all  claims  upon 


CRISIS  IN"  THEIR  TEMPORAL  AFFAIRS.  327 

them  were  not  fairly  satisfied.  It  was  a  matter 
which  deeply  concerned  all,  governor  and  people, 
the  Elder  and  his  church.  Determined  to  show 
all  fidelity  on  their  part,  they  sent  a  special  agent, 
the  Elder's  son-in-law,  Mr.  Allerton,  the  first 
assistant  of  the  governor,  to  England,  with  power 
and  instructions  to  negotiate,  and  "  make  such 
composition  with  the  adventurers"  as  he  best  could, 
and  in  all  due  form,  with  writings  drawn,  signed, 
and  sealed,  but  subject  to  their  own  examination 
and  approval  on  his  return.19  Under  their  own 
names  and  seals,  also,  they  empowered  him  to  ob 
tain  a  loan,  with  which  to  purchase  the  needed 
supplies  of  clothing  and  goods.  In  this  condition 
ends  the  sixth  year  of  the  New  Plymouth  Colony.20 

19  Capt.    Standish,  as    agent,  had  made   some  beginning   in  this 
matter  the  year  previous. 

20  Brad.,  208,  210. 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

"  The  wise  and  active  conquer  difficulties, 
By  daring  to  attempt  them." — HOWE. 

IT  is  the  spring  of  1627.  The  New  Plymouth 
colonists  have  found  themselves  involved,  one  and 
all,  in  difficulties  differing  from  all  through  which 
they  had  hitherto  passed.  The  London  Associa 
tion,  on  which  they  had  depended  for  further  aid, 
was  broken  up ;  the  interest  and  credit  of  their 
own  little  colony  were  at  stake ;  and  a  pecuniary 
crisis  was  before  them.  An  agent  dispatched  to 
London  with  powers  to  bring  matters  to  a  settle 
ment,  and  to  assume  the  necessary  responsibility, 
had  with  great  efforts  executed  the  mission,  and 
returned. 

The  terms  of  the  settlement  were,  that  the  colo 
nists  pay  1800  pounds  sterling,  in  yearly  payments 
of  200  pounds  each,  for  nine  years.  On  these 
terms  they  would  be  released  from  their  former 
agreement ;  their  lands,  houses,  and  all  their  effects 
be  secured  to  themselves.  These  terms,  as  favor 
able  as  could  have  been  expected,  were  now  at  a 
general  meeting,  accepted  and  ratified. 

But  who,  in  their  poor  condition,  would  assume 


TRYING  EMERGENCY;    THE  WISE  EXPEDIENT.       329 

the  obligations  to  meet  these  payments,  and  "dis 
charge  their  other  engagements,  and  supply  the 
yearly  wants  of  the  plantation  V9 

In  this  emergency,  Governor  Bradford,  and 
Elder  Brewster,  with  some  five  others,  came  for 
ward,  and  "jointly  bound  themselves,  in  behalf  of 
the  rest,  for  the  payments."  Great  was  the  risk, 
but  they  shrank  not  from  it.1 

And  now,  having  assumed  the  responsibility, 
how,  under  the  circumstances,  were  the  means  to 
be  procured]  All  was  in  an  uncertain  condition 
amongst  them.  They  had  other  large  liabilities  ; 
and  with  great  difficulty  had  they  been  able  to 
meet  their  daily  expenditures. 

Yet  these  tried  pilgrims  were  equal  to  the  task.2 

Put  to  the  test,  they  devise  the  plan,  not  by  tax, 
not  by  forced  labor,  which,  as  far  as  it  had  been 
tried,  had  failed ,  but  by  a  plan  laid  deep  in  the 
first  elements  of  man's  nature,  calculated  to  bring 
into  action  personal  interest  and  privileges  with 
the  highest  public  good.  It  would  enlist  the  hopes 
and  desires  of  personal  advancement  with  a  sense 
of  duty,  justice,  and  the  nobler  emotions,  in  one 

1  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  1st  series,  when  they  were  at   lowest,  they 
iii.  46,  47,  48  ;  and  Bradford,  this  began    to   rise   again,  and   being 
year.  stripped  (in  a  manner)  of  all  hu- 

2  Says  Bradford,  "  To  look  hu-  man  helps  and  hopes,  he  brought 
manly  on  the  state  of  things  as  things    about,    otherwise,    in   his 
they  presented  themselves,  it  is  a  Divine  Providence,  as  they  were 
marvel   it    did    not    wholly   dis-  not  only  upheld  and  sustained,  but 
courage  and  sink  them.    But  they  their  proceedings  were    both    ho- 
gathered  up  their  spirits,  and  the  nored  and  imitated  by  others  ;"  p. 
Lord    so    helped    them ;    as    now  208,  &c. 


330  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

combined,  patient,  and  zealous  effort.  By  this 
plan,  the  Governor  and  Elder,  with  the  few  others 
mentioned,  proposed  to  receive  into  partnership 
with  themselves,  all  the  first  colonists,  with  every 
young  man  of  prudence  among  them,  and  give  to 
each  a  share  in  all  that  belonged  to  the  colony, 
with  the  right  to  each  head  of  a  family  to  purchase 
a  share  for  his  wife,  and  one  for  each  child ;  also 
to  divide  at  once  to  each  shareholder  equal  portions 
of  land,  with  title  to  his  own  habitation  and  im 
provements,  on  condition  of  his  meeting  his  own 
specified  share  in  the  responsibility,  by  certain 
portions  of  the  fruits  of  his  industry ;  the  chief 
ones  in  the  movement  reserving  to  themselves  the 
management  of  the  trade  of  the  colony,  in  order 
to  meet  with  its  avails,  the  pledged  engagement. 
Simple  as  this  plan  may  appear,  it  had  in  it  the 
simplicity  of  wisdom.  It  was  received  with  gene 
ral  satisfaction,  and  adopted.  Each  shareholder 
drew  by  lot  his  or  her  portion  of  land,  in  addition 
to  the  homestead  and  small  allotment  before 
granted.  Each  drew  also  his  share  in  the  pre 
ciously  valued  domestic  cattle  in  the  colony.3 

Under  this  arrangement  the  colonists  passed 
from  a  state  of  dejection  and  fear  to  one  of  en 
couragement  and  hope.  Fresh  energies  were 
awakened,  new  personal  interests  were  enlisted, 

3  The  number  of  acres  now  al-  according  to  the  currency  of  that 

lowed  was  twenty  each  ;  the  num-  time,    compared    to  the   present, 

ber  of  shareholders  was  156.    The  about  $160. 
value  of  a  certain  red  cow  was, 


HAPPY  RESULTS;    MEMORIAL  OF  MRS.  B.          331 

each  went  to  his  field  of  labor  with  the  prospect, 
in  due  time,  of  an  unencumbered  home ;  the  forests 
gave  way,  the  growing  corn  succeeded,  while  new 
channels  for  trade  were  opened,  and  ere  long  the 
happiest  results  crowned  their  united  efforts.4 

But  we  pass  from  this  community  of  action  and 
interest,  in  which  the  Elder  had  a  twofold  share, 
to  an  intervening  occurrence  in  his  own  family. 
From  the  list  of  the  names  of  all  of  the  colonists 
living  to  whom  grants  of  land  were  now  made, 
Mrs.  Brewster's  name  is  missing.5  She  had  died, 
then,  before  this  date.  How  long  before  (though 
since  the  arrival  of  her  daughters)  we  know  not. 
Yet,  though  no  record  gives  the  date,  and  no  stone 
marks  the  place  of  deposit  of  her  earthly  remains, 
she  lives  in  the  remembrance  of  her  descendants 
as  a  Christian  mother,  and  the  revered  companion 
of  the  Pilgrim  Elder — as  one  of  the  faithful  band, 
who,  from  a  home  of  plenty  in  England,  accom 
panied  her  husband  through  all  the  self-sacrificing 
trials  of  the  twelve  years  in  Holland,  the  perils  of 
the  sea,  and  the  still  sorer  trials  of  this  new  colony. 
At  length,  after  having  nurtured  a  worthy  family, 
with  enfeebled  health,  her  spirit  departed  from  this 
to  a  better  world,  leaving  the  Elder  to  finish  singly 
his  still  longer  pilgrimage  on  earth  in  the  further 
service  of  his  people  and  their  God.  Peace  be  to 
thy  ashes,  mother!  and  all  due  regard  to  thy 

4  See  Bradford,-  217 ;  Prince,  5  See  the  list  in  Hazzard,  and 
161,  166.  Baylie's,  i.  262. 


332  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

memory!  will  every  descendant  of  thine  say. 
Though  we  have  not  seen  thee,  or  the  place  of 
thy  sepulture,  may  we  meet  thee  in  joy  at  the 
resurrection  morn. 

Early  in  this  year  came  messengers  and  letters 
from  the  governor  of  the  Dutch  plantation,  signed 
by  Isaac  De  Rasieres,  Secretary. 

Some  four  years  before  this  date,  and  some  three 
years  after  the  arrival  of  the  pilgrim  company,  the 
Dutch  from  Amsterdam  and  other  parts  of  Holland, 
had  commenced  a  settlement  at  the  mouth  of  the 
river  Hudson,  and  called  it  New  Amsterdam,  after 
the  chief  city  of  their  own  country.6 

Our  Plymouth  people  had  heard  of  them  by 
way  of  the  Indians,  but  could  never  meet  with 
them,  or  in  any  other  way  learn  anything  from 
them  until  the  present  time. 

But  now  had  come  congratulatory  letters,  in 
French  and  Dutch,  with  a  friendly  deputation,  and 
kind  tokens  of  regard,  from  their  governor  and 
council,  proposing  amicable  intercourse  and  trade. 
These  were  answered  in  Dutch,  in  accordance  with 
the  same  friendly  spirit,  with  all  due  acknowledg 
ments,  and  also  with  expressions  of  grateful  re 
membrance  of  the  years  when  many  of  themselves 
had  received  good  and  courteous  treatment  from 
their  countrymen  in  Holland;  "for  which,"  says 
the  answer,  "we,  and  our  children  after  us,  are 

6  The  regular  settlement  at  New  said  to  have  been  in  1623,  though 
Amsterdam  (after  its  capture  by  the  Dutch  had  carried  on  trade  in 
the  English  named  New  York)  is  those  parts  some  years  earlier. 


TRADE  AND  TRADING  POSTS.  333 

bound  to  be  thankful  to  your  nation,  and  shall 
never  forget  the  same,  but  shall  heartily  desire 
your  good  and  prosperity,  as  our  own,  forever."7 

As  the  governor,  with  some  few  others,  among 
whom  was  the  Elder,  became  pledged  for  the  pay 
ment  of  the  debts,  they  became  doubly  interested 
in  the  trade  of  the  colony.  By  that  trade  chiefly, 
in  connection  with  any  accruing  produce  of  their 
lands,  were  the  pledged  payments  to  be  met. 
Accordingly,  for  the  conducting  of  that  trade, 
while  most  of  the  people  who  were  now  partners 
in  the  new  compact  were  engaged  in  planting,  two 
prominent  trading  posts  were  established.  One  of 
these  was  at  Manomet,  called  also  Aptuxcet,  some 
twenty  miles  south  of  Plymouth.  Here,  on  a 
small  but  navigable  stream  of  the  same  name,  was 
the  singularly  favorable  point  where  coasting 
vessels,  coming  from  the  Sound  of  Long  Island, 
New  Amsterdam  (afterwards  New  York),  and  the 
Southern  Colony,  and  passing  up  the  Buzzard's 
Bay,  could  find  a  landing  place  nearest  to  the 
waters  of  Cape  Cod  Bay.  Over  this  neck  of  land, 
called  the  Suez  of  New  England,8  was  a  land 
carriage  of  only  about  six  and  a  half  miles. 
Thus,  in  the  transportation  of  all  their  light 
articles  of  traffic,  was  avoided  the  far  longer  and 
more  dangerous  passage  around  that  singularly 

7  Brad.,  222,  225.     See  the  Let-         8  Russell's   Plymouth,   and    in 
ters,  also,  in  the  Mass.  Hist.  Col.,     Young,  305. 
iii.  51,  53,  dated  March  19  (N.  S.) 
and  August  14,  1627. 


334  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

formed  peninsula  of  Malabar  and  Cape  Cod.9 
Here,  at  Manomet,  then,  in  the  wilds  of  the 
Indian  country,  with  the  Indian  village  near  at 
hand,  and  the  seat  of  a  sagamore  on  the  adjacent 
hill,  they  built  their  hewn  plank  trading-house 
and  their  coasting  "  Barque,"  placing  there  men  to 
plant  and  trade  in  peace,  to  the  mutual  benefit  of 
themselves  and  the  native  Indians. 

There,  too,  was  first  made  known  to  them, 
shortly  after,  that  new  medium  of  trade  in  place 
of  money,  the  noted  "  Sewan"  or  "  Wampum,"10 
which  proved  to  be  especially  beneficial.  "  It  was 
not  profitable  at  first,"  says  Bradford,  "  till  the  in 
land  Indians  came  to  know  it ;  and  then  we  could 
scarce  procure  enough  for  many  years  together." 
"  Strange  it  is  to  see  the  great  alteration  it  in  a 
few  years  makes  among  the  savages ;  for  the  Mas 
sachusetts,  and  others  in  those  parts,  had  scarce 
any,  it  being  only  made  and  kept  among  the 
Pequots  and  Narragansetts,  who  grew  rich  and 

9  Brad.,    221,   and    in    Young,     centre,  to  be  strung  like  beads. 
306-7,  and  notes  ;  and  Mass.  Hist.     The  purple  was  of  twice  the  value 
Coll.,  viii.  122,  123.  of  the  white.     A  fathom  of  this 

10  This    Sewan,    Wampum,    or  stringed  money  was    valued    at 
Wanapumpeague,    as    a    kind   of  about  five  shillings.     Three  pur- 
Indian  money,  was  made  of  the  pie    shells    or    six    white    ones 
beautifully  polished  portions    of  passed  for  an  English  penny.     Of 
the  shell  of  the  small  clam,  called  the  like  material  were  made  some 
quahog ;  some  say  also  of  the  peri-  of  the  most  valuable  ornaments  of 
winkles.     It  was  both  of  the  pur-  the  natives. — Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  i. 
pie  and  the  white  shell,  of  conve-  152,  iii.    54,  231 ;    Thatcher,  70  ; 
nient    size,   and    graceful  shape,  Young,  305-7. 

with    a   drilled  opening    in    the 


WAMPUM,  OR  INDIAN  MONEY.  335 

potent  by  it ;  whereas  the  rest  who  use  it  not  are 
poor  and  beggarly,"11     A  striking  evidence  surely,  • 
from   an  eye  witness,  how  greatly  a  circulating 
medium,  be  it  what  it  may,  promotes  industry, 
improvement,  and  prosperity. 

Thus,  and  at  this  place,  were  the  beginnings  of 
New  England's  commerce.  Here,  the  very  ground 
on  which  stood  the  pilgrims'  first  trading-house, 
can  now  be  pointed  out.  On  it  may  the  traveller 
pause  and  reflect  how  things  then  were !  how 
they  now  are !  Now,  on  what  sea,  to  what  coast 
of  the  habitable  globe,  have  not  their  descendants 
carried  the  products  of  their  soil  and  industry, 
outstripping  all  other  nations,  with  only  England 
as  a  rival  I 

But  there  was  also  another  trading  post  estab 
lished  nearly  at  the  same  time,  some  two  hundred 
miles  northeasterly  from  Plymouth,  on  the  River 
Kennebec ;  hence  the  name  of  the  place,  Kennebec. 
From  it  was  easy  access  to  the  natives  far  into  the 
interior,  as  well  as  to  the  fishermen  on  the  coast. 
Here  had  previously  been  some  profitable  trade ; 
but  now,  having  obtained  from  England  chartered 
privileges,  they  erected  their  trading-house,  and 
stationed  men,  as  at  Manoniet ;  and  here,  with  the 
surplus  maize  now  raised  in  the  colony,  and  with 
other  commodities,  and  the  use  of  wampum  for 
money,  were  exchanges  made  for  furs,  skins,  and 
other  valuables ;  and  all  equally  advantageous  to 

11  Bradford,  234. 


336  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

themselves  and  the  native  Indians,  especially  those 
of  the  interior.12 

Now,  also,  was  there  still  another  undertaking — 
the  assuming  of  an  additional  responsibility.  Fami 
lies,  and  parts  of  families,  of  their  friends  were 
yet  in  Holland,  pleading  and  despondingly  waiting 
to  come  to  them.  The  governor  and  some  chief 
friends,  with  the  Elder,  seriously  considered  the 
matter,  "  not  only  how  they  might  discharge  the 
great  engagements  which  already  lay  heavily  upon 
them,  but  also  how  they  might,  if  possible,  devise 
means  to  help  over  some  of  those  friends  and 
brethren  of  Leyden."  The  matter  being  anxi 
ously  weighed,  these  men  (knowing  of  no  other 
way)  resolved  to  run  the  risk  of  "hiring  the  trade 
of  the  colony  for  six  years;"  undertaking  to  pay, 
in  that  time,  the  eighteen  hundred  pounds,  and 
the  remaining  debts  of  the  plantation,  amounting 
to  six  hundred  pounds  more;  keeping  in  mind 
their  purpose,  as  they  informed  some  few  of  their 
friends,  of  providing  also  for  the  coming  of  those 
friends  from  Leyden ;  and  then  to  restore  the 
trade  again  to  the  company  as  the  term  should 
expire.  To  the  main  resolution,  laid  before  a 
general  meeting  and  discussed,  consent  was  given, 
and  articles  of  agreement  were  signed.  With  in 
creased  energy  these  men,  quaintly  called  in  the 
agreement,  "  undertakers,"  carried  their  purpose 
into  effect.  And  in  time,  by  patient  perseverance 

12  Bradford,  233 ;  Thatcher,  70,  72. 


UNEXAMPLED  EVIDENCES  OF  ATTACHMENT.      337 

through  all  difficulties,  by  self-denial,  and  with 
some  assistance  from  England,  the  whole  was 
effected.13  The  result  was,  that  in  the  time,  not 
only  was  the  amount  of  the  first  obligations,  £2400, 
discharged,  but  over  £2600  more  were  expended 
in  removing  their  brethren  thither — a  proof  of 
strength  of  attachment,  and  of  faithfulness  to  each 
other,  unexampled  in  the  annals  of  any  people.14 

We  have  already  noticed  the  opening  of  a  cor 
respondence  with  them,  and  the  commencement  of 
friendly  intercourse  for  purposes  of  trade,  by  the 
Dutch  colony  at  New  Amsterdam. 

On  the  4th  of  October  of  the  present  year,  came 
another  letter  from  the  secretary,  De  Easieres,  in 
forming  tne  governor  of  his  arrival  in  the  barque 
Nassau,  at  Frenchman's  Point,  on  the  head- waters 
of  Buzzard's  Bay,  near  the  Plymouth  colony's  trad 
ing  station  at  Manomet.  Sent  for  at  his  request 
by  the  colony  boat,  he  arrived  in  her  at  Plymouth, 
"  with  sound  of  trumpets,"  and  honorably  at 
tended.  Appropriately  received  and  entertained 
for  some  days,  he,  with  a  skilful  eye  and  master's 
hand,  draws  up,  by  way  of  report,  a  description  of 

13  "The   chiefs  of    the  colony             £1800 
(says    Baylies),  almost   deprived                  600 
themselves  of  the  common  neces-  -              1400 
saries  of  life  to  get  their  brethren                  550 
over,  and  to  support  them  until                  500 
they  were  able  to  support  them-                  200 
selves."  

14  The  various  sums  found  men-  £5050  paid  in  these  six  years, 
tioned  in  Prince,  are — (pages  168,  besides  £50  a  year  for  company 
192,203)—  clothing. 

22 


338  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTEB. 

the  location,  the  circumstances,  prospects,  and  in 
stitutions,  civil  and  religious,  of  the  pilgrim  colony. 
This  report,  unknown  to  our  colonists,  but  made 
at  the  time  by  this  intelligent  and  unbiassed 
foreigner,  and  lately  brought  to  light  from  the 
archives  at  the  Hague,  has  furnished  valuable 
items  in  their  history,  nowhere  else  to  be  found. 

"  New  Plymouth  (says  he)  is  on  a  large  bay  to 
the  north  of  Cape  Cod,  or  Mallabear,  west  from 
the  north  point  of  the  cape,  which  can  be  easily 
seen  in  clear  weather.  Directly  before  the  com 
menced  town  lies  a  sand  bank,  about  twenty  paces 
broad,  whereon  the  sea  breaks  violently  with  an 
easterly  or  northeasterly  wind.  On  the  north  side 
lies  a  small  island,  where  one  must  run  close  along 
in  order  to  come  before  the  town ;  the  ships  run 
ning  behind  that  bank,  lie  in  a  very  good  road 
stead."  "  At  the  south  of  the  town  flows  a  small 
river  of  fresh  water,  very  rapid,  but  shallow,  taking 
its  rise  from  several  lakes  in  the  land  above. 
Where  it  empties  into  the  sea,  there  come  so  many 
herring,  in  April  and  the  beginning  of  May,  as  is 
quite  surprising." 

"  The  fish  (caught  in  a  singular  manner)  each 
man  takes  according  to  the  land  he  cultivates,  and 
deposits  three  or  four  in  each  hill,  where  he  plants 
his  maize,  which  grows  therein  luxuriantly ;  if 
they  lay  not  fish  therein,  the  maize  will  not  grow, 
such  is  the  nature  of  the  soil." 

"  Their  farms  are  not  as  good  as  ours,  because 
they  are  more  stony,  and  consequently  not  so 


DE  RAISIERE'S  REPORT.  339 

suitable  for  the  plough.  But  they  have  better 
means  of  living  than  ourselves."  "  They  apportion 
their  land  according  as  each  has  means  to  con 
tribute  to  the  18,000  guilders  promised  to  those 
who  sent  them  out ;  whereby  they  have  their  free 
dom  without  rendering  an  account  to  any  one  ; 
only  if  the  King  should  choose  to  send  a  governor 
general,  they  would  be  obliged  to  acknowledge 
him  sovereign  chief." 

"  Respecting  trade,  and  payments  from  the  pro 
duce  of  their  fields  (he  continues),  the  maize  which 
they  do  not  require  for  their  own  use,15  is  delivered 
to  the  governor  at  three  guilders  (6  shillings)  the 
bushel,  who,  in  his  turn,  sends  it  in  sloops  to  the 
north,  for  the  trade  in  skins  amongst  the  savages; 
reckoning  one  bushel  of  maize  against  one  pound 
of  beaver  skins."  "  When  division  is  made  ac 
cording  to  what  each  has  contributed,  they  are 
credited  for  the  amount  yearly  towards  the  reduc 
tion  of  their  obligation.  With  the  remainder, 
they  purchase  what  next  they  require,  and  which 
the  governor  takes  care  to  provide  every  year." 

"  The  tribes  (of  Indians)  in  their  neighborhood 
are  better  conducted  than  ours,  because  the  English 
give  them  the  example  of  better  ordinances,  and  a 
better  life ;  and  who  also,  to  a  certain  degree,  give 
them  laws,  by  means  of  the  respect  which  they 

15  "  All  the  while,  this  people  means  to  grind  by  the  help  of 
were  (still)  forced  to  pound  their  wind  or  water. — Hubbard,  Mass, 
corn  in  mortars  ;"  not  having  Hist.  Coll.,  ii.  v.  99. 


349  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

from  the  very  first  have  established  amongst 
them."16 

"  Their  government  is  after  the  English  form. 
The  governor  has  his  council,  which  is  chosen 
every  year  by  the  'entire  community,  by  election  or 
prolongation  of  term.  In  the  inheritance  they 
place  all  the  children  in  one  degree,  only  the  eldest 
son  has  an  acknowledgment  for  his  seniority  of 
birth." 

"  They  have  stringent  laws  and  ordinances  in 
respect  to  violation  of  the  marriage  vow,  and  the 
like,  which  laws  they  enforce  very  strictly  indeed, 
even  among  the  tribes  that  live  amongst  them." 

"  The  town  itself,  of  New  Plymouth,  lies  on  the 
slope  of  a  hill,  stretching  east  towards  the  sea, 
with  a  broad  street  about  a  cannon's  shot  (800 
yards)  long  leading  down  the  hill ;  with  a  (street) 
crossing  in  the  middle  northwards  to  the  rivulet, 
and  southwards  to  the  land.  The  houses  are  con 
structed  of  hewn  planks,  with  gardens  inclosed 
behind,  and  at  the  sides  with  hewn  planks,  so  that 
their  houses  and  courtyards  are  arranged  in  very 
good  order;  with  a  stockade,  against  a  sudden 
attack ;  and,  at  the  ends  of  the  streets,  are  three 
wooden  gates.  In  the  centre,  on  the  cross  street, 
stands  the  governor's  house,  before  which  is  a 
square  inclosure,  upon  which  four  'patereros'  are 
mounted,  so  as  to  flank  along  the  streets." 


16  u  Even  to  this  day,"  says  Hub-    bounds   of  Plymouth   colony." — 
>bard,  "the  hopefullest  company  of    Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  ii.  v.  98- 
Christian  Indians  live  within  the 


MANNER  OF  ASSEMBLING  FOR  WORSHIP.         341 

But  the  part  of  De  Rasieres'  description  most 
material  to  our  purpose,  relates  to  their  place  of 
worship,  and  the  order  of  their  assembling ;  bear 
ing  in  mind  that  the  minister  mentioned  was 
Elder  Brewster,  and  that  this  was  the  order  of 
things  twice  on  the  Sabbath. 

"  Upon  the  hill  they  have  a  large  square  house, 
with  a  flat  roof,  made  of  thick,  sawn  planks,  stayed 
with  oak  beams,  upon  the  top  of  which  they  have 
six  cannons,  which  shoot  iron  balls  of  four  and 
five  pounds,  and  command  the  surrounding  coun 
try.  The  lower  part  they  use  for  their  church, 
where  they  preach  on  Sundays,  and  the  usual 
holidays. 

"  They  assemble  by  beat  of  drum,  each  with  his 
musket  or  firelock,  in  front  of  the  captain's  door; 
they  have  their  cloaks  on,  and  place  themselves  in 
order  three  abreast,  and  are  led  by  a  sergeant 
without  beat  of  drum.  Behind  comes  the  govern 
or,  in  a  long  robe  ;  beside  him,  on  the  right  hand, 
comes  the  preacher,  with  his  cloak  on,  and  on  the 
left  hand,  the  captain,  with  his  side  arms  and  cloak, 
and  with  a  small  cane  in  his  hand ;  and  thus  they 
march  in  good  order,  and  each  sets  his  arms  down 
near  him.  Thus  they  enter  their  place  of  worship, 
constantly  on  their  guard,  night  and  day." 

Thus  wrote  "Isaack  De  Rasieres,"17  messenger 

17  De  Rasieres  is  said  to  have  settled    in    Guilderland,   on   the 

been  a  descendant  of  French  Pro-  river  Waal,  and  hence  they  were 

testant    ancestry,  who    had    fled  called   Walloons.      He    came   on 

from  persecution  in  France,  and  from  Holland  the  year  before  to 


342 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


and  secretary  of  the  colony  of  New  Amsterdam — a 
wise  observer  and  reporter  of  what  he  saw  and 
heard  at  New  Plymouth : — an  account  more  spe 
cific  in  some  particulars,  than  is  anywhere  else  to 
be  found  on  record. 


New  Netherlands,  and  on  his  ar 
rival  had  become  chief  commissary, 
next  in  rank  to  the  governor,  and 
secretary  of  that  colony.  Soon 
after  his  return  from  Plymouth, 
owing  to  certain  factions,  he  re 
turned  to  Holland,  and  addressed 
this  communication  to  one  of  the 
leading  directors  of  the  Dutch 


West  India  Company,  S.  Blom- 
maert.  It  found  its  way  into  the 
royal  library  at  the  Hague,  where 
it  was  lately  discovered,  and  was 
soon  translated  and  published  in 
the  New  York  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  vol. 
L,  new  series,  p.  357,  &c.  The 
preacher  mentioned  was  Elder 
Brewster. 


CHAPTER   XXIX. 

I  hear  the  tread  of  pioneers, 

Of  nations  yet  to  be, 
The  first  low  wash  of  waves  where  soon 

Shall  roll  a  human  sea. — WHITTIEK. 

PASSING  on  through  the  year  1628  into  that  of 
1629,  we  find  the  Elder  all  along  performing  ably 
and  constantly  all  the  duties  of  his  position,  "  be 
loved  and  honored  among  the  people,  taking  great 
pains  in  teaching  and  dispensing  the  Divine 
Word."1  Their  active  counsellor,  and  one  of  the 
chief  in  all  that  concerned  their  civil  and  temporal 
interests,  he  yet  manifested  no  cessation  of  effort 
on  account  of  advancing  years. 

Near  the  beginning  of  July  (1629),  there  came 
incidentally  to  New  Plymouth  one  Mr.  Ealph 
Smith,  a  clergyman,  lately  from  England.  Elder 
Brewster,  always  declining  to  be  any  other  than 
their  Elder,  and  Mr.  Smith,  being  a  "  grave  man," 
and  an  accredited  minister,  was  kindly  entertained, 
and  chosen,  after  some  trial,  to  be  their  Pastor.2 

This  connection,  bringing  some  relief  to  the 
Elder,  continued  for  about  six  years.  But  Mr. 

1  Bradford,  256.  2  Bradford,  263. 


344  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Smith  proving  (to  use  the  words  of  Cotton),  "  to 
be,  though  a  grave  man,  yet  of  low  gifts  and 
parts,"  the  Elder,  as  a  far  abler  man,  would  still 
be  often  called  upon  to  expound  the  Scriptures, 
as  well  as  rule  in  their  church,  as  before.  Having 
an  ordained  Pastor,  however,  they  could  now  have 
the  Christian  ordinances. 

Elder  Brewster,  relieved  in  part  from  his  long- 
accustomed  labors,  could  now  arrange  more  effect 
ively  his  private  concerns,  and  more  deliberately 
mark  occurrences  outside  of  the  little  colony. 
Other  colonies  there  were  which  had  attracted,  or 
were  now  to  attract,  special  attention. 

We  pause  not  here  to  inquire  what  may  long 
before  have  been  his  thoughts  respecting  the  colo 
nies  of  South  America,  near  to  which  some  of 
their  own  company  had  once  advocated  their  re 
moval,  where  golden  fruits  and  golden  mines  had 
attracted  a  world-wide  notice.  Nor  would  we 
stop  to  inquire  what  may  have  been  his  and  his 
people's  views  respecting  the  French  settlements 
in  Canada,  stretching  far  into  the  interior,  shut 
ting  in,  as  it  were,  the  prospects  of  the  English 
on  this  continent.  There  were  other  nearer,  and, 
in  some  respects,  kindred  colonies;  one,  long  since 
commenced,  others  now  about  to  be  commenced, 
the  success  or  failure  of  which  was  a  matter  of 
deep  interest.  Of  the  Dutch  colony  we  have 
already  had  a  passing  notice. 

Respecting  the  colonizing  spirit  of  his  own 
nation,  he  could  look  back  to  the  times  of  Eliza- 


OTHER  COLONIES;  VIRGINIA.  345 

beth,  when  such,  bold  spirits  as  Sir  Walter 
Raleigh,  and  afterwards  the  far-famed  Capt, 
Smith,  for  love  of  adventure  and  fame,  went  forth 
to  explore,  and  plant  the  English  standard  in 
parts  unknown.  Others,  too,  had  gone  forth  in 
pursuit  of  wealth,  a  larger  number  still,  to  re 
trieve  broken  fortunes,  and  some  to  be  chiefs  or 
leaders  in  new  enterprises.  Yet  all  these  latter 
attempts  to  colonize,  though  sustained  by  wealth 
and  power,  and  some  by  men  of  ablest  talents,  all 
these,  with  one  exception,  had  Brewster  seen 
come  to  a  miserable  end. 

Respecting  this  one,  it  was  in  the  very  year 
when  himself  and  pilgrim  band  were  leaving  Eng 
land,  exiles  for  their  own  church  system,  that 
men  were  on  their  way,  chiefly  for  adventure,  to 
plant  themselves  on  the  shores  of  Virginia,  sup 
ported  by  one  of  the  most  powerful  companies  of 
the  time  in  England.  But  of  their  failures,  suf 
ferings,  and  almost  entire  extirpation  by  savage 
foes,  and  by  their  own  recklessness ;  of  their  times 
of  despair,  and  revived  hopes,  and  preservation  by 
fresh  aid  and  large  additions,  we  speak  not  further 
than  to  state  again  that,  while  the  Virginia  colo 
nists  were  afterwards  suffering  most,  the  pilgrim 
company  were  also  enduring  the  greatest  priva 
tions.  While  the  former  became  fitted  to  their 
more  southerly  location,  the  other,  tried  and 
inured  to  hardship,  and  cemented  together  by  the 
strongest  bond  that  earth  can  witness,  became 
fitted  to  be  the  pioneers  on  the  stern  shores  of 
New  England. 


346  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Connected  with  that  Virginia  company,  and 
one  of  its  chief  promoters,  and  most  earnest  in 
making  it  the  means  of  advancing  the  cause  of 
religion,  was  Sir  Edwin  Sandys;  at  the  same 
time,  he  showed  himself  the  warm  friend  of  the 
Elder,  exerting  himself  to  promote  his  and  his 
people's  purposes  in  their  removal  and  settlement.3 

In  Virginia,  also,  for  a  time,  was  George 
Sandys,  the  worthy  brother  of  Sir  Edwin,  and 
doubtless  an  acquaintance  of  Brewster,  an  active 
and  laborious  agent  for  that  colony.  Being  an  ac 
complished  man  of  letters,  he,  in  the  year  of  King 
James'  death,  and  of  the  accession  of  the  first 
Charles,  after  devoting  "  the  days  to  his  majesty's 
service,"  wrote  the  first  English  poem  in  the  New 
World.  In  other  words,  he  translated  the  Meta 
morphoses  of  Ovid  into  English  verse ;  a  work  of 
merit,  though  he  modestly  termed  it  "  the  sweet- 
tongued  Ovid's  counterfeit."  In  its  dedication  to 
his  king,  he  offers  it  as  a  production  "  lim'd  by 
that  unperfect  light,  which  was  snatched  from  the 
hours  of  night  and  repose ;"  "  for  the  day  was  not 
mine,"  says  he ;  "  a  double  stranger  (it  is)  sprung 
from  the  stock  of  the  ancient  Romans,  but  bred  in 
the  New  World,  of  the  rudeness  whereof  it  cannot 
but  participate,  especially  having  wars  and  tumults 
to  bring  it  to  light,  instead  of  the  Muses."4 

3  G.  Chalmer's  Annals  of  Vir-  in    the    invaluable    collection   of 
ginia,   and   our   preceding   state-  Peter  Force,  Esq.,  of  Washington 
merits.  City  ;  a  collection  nowhere  equal- 

4  First  edition,  London,  1626  ;  led,  it  is  believed,  in  all  that  per- 


INTEREST  FELT  IN  THE  VIRGINIA  COLONY.       347 

Nearly  at  the  same  time  was  there  another 
person,  named  Brewster,  of  some  note  in  the  Vir 
ginia  colony,  whether  a  relative  or  acquaintance 
of  the  Elder,  we  know  not.  Cavalierly  treated, 
however,  by  the  acting  governor,  and  by  the 
power  of  martial  law  in  time  of  peace,  it  required 
an  appeal  to  the  council  in  England  to  extricate 
him  from  a  fatal  dilemma.  To  this  end  returning 
to  England,  he  appears  not  again  to  have  visited  the 
shores  of  that  colony. 

Without  even  glancing  at  the  history  of  this 
settlement,  it  is  sufficient  here  to  remark,  that 
between  it  and  New  Plymouth  there  was  early 
and  frequent  intercourse ;  ships  on  the  coast  were 
passing  and  repassing;5  while  the  success  of  the 
Plymouth  people  appears  finally  to  have  given  no 
small  encouragement  to  those  in  Virginia.  When 
dangers  threatened,  or  calamities  befell  the  one,  as 
in  the  great  massacre  of  1622,  there  was  great 
sympathy  felt,  if  there  could  not  be  direct  aid,  by 
their  northern  neighbors.  Nor  wras  sympathy  all. 
Between  them,  as  colonies  of  the  same  nation  and 
blood,  enduring  similar  trials,  many  were  the  acts 
of  kindness,  not  hindered  by  the  fact  that  in 
church  organization  and  order  the  one  was  con 
nected  with  the  Church  of  England,  from  which 
the  other  had  separated.6 


tains  to  the  first  colonial  settle-  5  Chalmers,  38. 

ments  of  North  America  down  to  6  Brad..   123-5,    151-154,   218- 

the  time  of  the  American  Revolu-  219. 

tion. 


248  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

But  there  were  now  beginnings  of  other  colo 
nies  nearer  home,  and  still  nearer  in  habits  of 
thought,  in  which  the  Elder  and  Plymouth  people 
felt  a  peculiar  interest. 

Growing  agitations  in  England,  on  subjects  and 
rites,  civil  and  religious,  were  the  moving  causes. 
Charles  the  First,  and  those  who  acted  with  him, 
had  now  determined  on  enforcing  conformity  more 
rigidly,  systematically,  and  indiscriminately,  than 
had  ever  been  done  before.  Consequently,  many 
ministers,  and  among  them  not  a  few  learned  and 
able  men,  who  had  been  suspended  and  oppressed 
for  non-conformity,  were,  with  their  people  who 
thought  with  them,  disposed  to  leave  their  country, 
and  find  liberty  in  other  lands. 

Added  to  this,  was  the  increasingly  bitter  con 
flict  between  King  and  Parliament,  now  agitating 
the  nation.  The  lines  of  division,  which  had  some 
beginning  in  the  days  of  Elizabeth,  but  had  become 
still  more  distinctly  marked  in  the  late  reign  of 
James,  were  now  assuming  a  threatening  aspect. 
The  agitation  was  beginning  to  reach  the  heart  of 
the  nation.  The  opposing  elements  were  diversely 
combining  and  mustering  their  forces.  On  the 
one  side  was  the  King,  vacillating,  at  one  time 
claiming  and  exercising  above  all  law,  the  highest 
stretch  of  arbitrary  power,  at  another  time  yield 
ing,  and  then  forfeiting  his  word.  With  him  were 
the  court  with  courtly  advisers  civil  and  ecclesias 
tical,  and  the  hitherto  larger,  but  now  lessening 
portion  of  the  nation.  On  the  other  side  was  the 


CAUSES  OF  EMIGRATION  TO  NEW  ENGLAND.      3  ±9 

Parliament,  with  a  daily  increasing  portion  of  the 
people,  petitioning  for,  and  finally  demanding  con- 
cessionsa  and  defined  limitations  of  the  royal  pre 
rogatives. 

In  the  conflict,  argument  met  argument;  will 
met  will ;  the  strongest  passions  were  moved ;  the 
long  gathering  storm  was  seen  slowly  rising; 
thoughtful  men  were  becoming  fearful ;  the  war 
ring  elements,  it  was  believed,  must  soon  meet ; 
and  if  so,  terrible  must  be  the  contest.  In  this 
state  of  things  it  was,  that  many  were  disposed  to 
escape,  while  they  could,  from  the  coming  struggle: 
some  to  the  continent,  others  to  the  far  off  wilds 
of  the  west.  If  from  the  causes  first  mentioned 
resulted  the  settlement  of  Virginia,  from  the  latter 
combination  of  causes  were  planted  additional 
colonies  in  New  England.7 

In  these  additional  settlements,  of  which  Massa 
chusetts  was  the  principal,  a  deep  interest  was  felt 
by  that  at  Plymouth.  With  its  chief  rulers  and 
ministers,  as  well  as  many  of  its  people,  was  Elder 
Brewster  now  brought  into  acquaintance  and  cor 
respondence. 

And  even  earlier  than  this,  it  would  seem,  had 
he  become  personally  interested  in  another  settle 
ment  farther  north,  the  germ  of  New  Hampshire, 
at  Portsmouth. 


7  See   the  period,   Charles   the     opinions,  chiefly,  that  first  peopled 
First,   Pictorial  History   of  Eng.     New  England." 
"  It  was  the  concussion  of  religious 


350 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 


In  this  year  (1629),  is  the  name  of  Wrestling 
Brewster  found  in  Portsmouth,  and  there  soon  after 
settled  with  a  family.  It  has  been  stated  by  various 
writers  that  the  Elder's  son,  of  this  name,  died 
young — "  died  in  his  youth" — "  died  without  a 
family."  How,  indeed,  he  could  have  removed 
thither,  and  become  located,  and  there  left  a  family, 
and  no  writer  had  knowledge  of  it,  we  are  unable 
to  explain;  but  facts,  of  late  brought  to  light, 
seem  to  show  that  such  may  have  been  the  case.8 


8  The  statements  and  facts  are 
these  :  Governor  Bradford,  in  the 
Appendix  of  his  History,  page  451, 
speaking  of  Elder  Brewster's 
family  (those  that  had  died,  and 
those  that  were  living  in  1650), 
has  this  brief  statement :  "  His 
son  Wrestling  died  a  young  man, 
unmarried."  Subsequent  writers, 
in  varied  language,  have  said  the 
same.  He  was  numbered  in  the 
Elder's  family,  at  Plymouth,  on 
the  division  of  cattle,  in  1627. 
That  he  died  young  is  admitted ; 
but  in  relation  to  his  dying  un 
married,  other  facts  prove,  either 
that  the  governor  was  here  mis 
taken,  or  that  there  was  another 
person,  of  the  same  name,  about 
the  same  age,  in  this  country  at 
the  same  time.  The  proofs  of  this 
are : — 

1st.  A  deed  of  land  in  Ports 
mouth,  New  Hampshire,  commenc 
ing  in  the  words  following :  "  Ports 
mouth,  sixth  day  of  December, 
Anno  Domini  one  thousand  six 
hundred  twenty  and  nine,  and  in 


the  highly  favored  fifth  year  of 
the  raigne  of  our  soveraign  Lord 
Charles  the  first,  King  of  England, 
and  Scotland,  and  France,  and 
Ireland,  and  defender  of  the  faith, 
&c.  &c.,"  (by  which)  "Joseph  and 
Hannah  S.  Pendleton"  (convey  to) 
"  Wrestling  Brewster  eighty  acres 
of  land,  for  £8,  adjoining  to  land 
previously  belonging  to  said 
Wrestling." 

These  lands  have  descended  by 
inheritance  in  the  Brewster  family 
in  Portsmouth,  who  claim  to  be 
descendants  of  this  Wrestling 
Brewster,  until  within  the  memory 
of  the  present  generation. 

2d.  There  are  parts  of  a  family 
record,  still  preserved,  showing 
that  said  Wrestling  Brewster  was 
married,  in  1630,  to  Emla  Story; 
that  they  had  a  son,  John  Brew 
ster,  born  Jan.  20th,  1631,  and  a 
daughter,  born  May  3d,  1636,  and 
named  Love  Lucretia  (the  names 
of  the  Elder's  second  son,  Love,  and 
of  his  eldest  son's  wife,  Lucretia) 
— a  most  significant  fact  surely. 


WRESTLING  BREWSTER  IN  NEW  HAMPSHIRE.     351 


3d.  There  have  been  preserved, 
among  the  old  papers  belonging 
to  said  family,  bills,  receipts,  and 
accounts,  relating  to  this  Wrestling 
Brewster's  transactions  in  busi 
ness. 

All  these  documents  and  papers 
are  in  the  possession  of  Dr.  George 
Gaines  Brewster,.  of  Portsmouth, 
New  Hampshire,  from  whom  the 
author  obtained  the  use  of  such  as 
pertained  to  the  present  purpose. 

With  the  evidence  before  us, 
the  writer  is  inclined  to  the  opi 
nion  that  Wrestling  Brewster  of 


the  pilgrim  company  and  the 
Wrestling  Brewster  of  Portsmouth, 
N.  H.,  were  the  same  person  ;  and 
that  his  removal  to  that  place,  and 
marriage  there,  were  in  some  way 
unknown  to  the  governor.  That, 
dying  soon  after  the  year  1636, 
and  having  received  all  the  patri 
mony  that  would  come  to  him,  as 
was  the  case  with  the  Elder's 
daughters  and  their  children,  no 
notice  would  be  taken  of  him  or 
his  in  the  settlement  of  the  Elder's 
estate. 

See  also  note  4,  on  page  38. 


CHAPTER    XXX. 

"  The  axe  rang  sharply  'mid  these  forest  shades, 
Which  from  creation  toward  the  sky  had  tower'd 
In  unshorn  beauty." — MKS.  SJGOURNEY. 

FROM  the  date  in  the  last  chapter  to  the  begin 
ning  of  the  year  1632,  no  marked  occurrence 
appears  in  the  Elder's  life,  requiring  particular 
notice.  His  studies,  duties,  and  labors  were  evi 
dently  continued  with  unabated  efficiency  as  last 
mentioned. 

The  body  of  the  colonists  were  likewise  pursuing 
their  onward  course,  laboriously,  but  improvingly; 
while  the  chief  ones,  who  had  assumed  the  heavy 
indebtedness  of  the  whole  undertaking,  were  ex 
tricating  themselves  from  embarrassment,  and 
meeting  their  liabilities,  though  suffering  heavy 
losses,  by  some  of  their  unfaithful  agents.1 

But  in  this  year  (1632)  were  the  increase  and 
prosperity  greater  than  in  any  former  year.  Many, 
desiring  to  escape  from  the  increasing  troubles  in 
England,  and  encouraged  by  the  success  that  was 
beginning  to  attend  the  emigrating  enterprise, 
were  now  arriving  in  this  and  the  neighboring 

1  Bradford,  284,  290. 


ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  PILGRIM  COLONY.        353 

colony.  Consequently,  the  products  of  their  fields 
were  now  in  increasing  demand  ;  their  cattle  had 
a  ready  sale  at  high  prices;  goods  from  abroad 
became  more  plentiful ;  more  lands  were  required 
for  cultivation.  The  town,  in  which  they  had  thus 
far  lived  compactly,  could  no  longer  contain  them 
with  their  new  additions.  Fears  of  the  savage 
natives  in  their  vicinity  had  diminished.  The 
more  enterprising  now  penetrated  the  surrounding 
forests,  seeking  out  new  locations,  and  more  en 
larged  farms.2  There  were,  indeed,  some  occur 
rences  unfavorable  to  the  first  settlement,  particu 
larly  the  removal  of  many  in  order  to  secure  better 
lands.  Across  the  harbor,  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Plymouth  Bay,  and  in  fair  sight  of  their  first  homes,, 
was  commenced  the  next  principal  settlement. 
There,  bordering  on  the  bay,  and  nearest  towards 
Plymouth,  were  the  lands  allotted  to  the  brave 
Captain  Miles  Standish,  including  what  is  called 
':  Captain's  Hill"  (a  place  of  no  little  interest). 
This  new  town  received  the  name  of  Duxbury, 
doubtless  from  the  town  of  the  same  name,  the 
seat  of  the  captain's  connections  in  England. 

Adjoining  the  captain's  land  northerly,  and 
bordering  on  the  Bay  of  Duxbury,  including  what 
from  that  day  to  this  has  been  called  "  the  Nook," 
lay  the  farm  allotted  to  their  venerable  Elder 
Brewster.  Bordering  upon  his,  was  that  of  his 

2  Bradford,  302,  303  ;  also,  Mass.  Historic  Collection,  iii.  7  ;  and  Win- 
sor's  Duxbury. 
23 


354  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

eldest  son,  Jonathan.  Here,  on  his  own  allotted 
acres,  could  the  Elder  with  his  other  son,  be  often 
seen  aiding  in  the  labors  of  clearing  away  the 
forests,  perhaps  never  before  cleared  since  their 
first  growth,  after  the  earth's  creation. 

Here  was  erected  a  new  dwelling  for  himself,  in 
his  widower  state,  and  his  son  Love ;  and  here, 
also,  as  in  the  first  and  older  settlement,  as  his 
other  duties  would  permit,  would  he  aid  in  plant 
ing  their  newly  cleared  fields.  Most  favorable 
for  this  purpose  was  the  location,  proving  to  be 
on  lands  among  the  best  in  the  colony.3 

In  this  growing  settlement,  too  far  distant  for 
constant  attendance  upon  public  worship  at  Ply 
mouth,  was  soon  organized,  though  with  many 
objections  and  hindrances,  another  church  of  the 
same  order.  Of  this  church  also,  it  appears  Brew- 
ster  became,  as  in  Plymouth,  the  ruling  elder.4 

Thus,  while  attending  to  family  and  other  duties, 
as  an  active  pioneer  in  the  New  World,  was  he 
continuing  his  accustomed  duties  as  the  only  ruling 
elder  of  the  colony. 

And  clear  evidence  is  there,  that  though  advanc 
ing  in  years,  no  small  portion  of  his  time  was 

3  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  2d  series,  land,  presented  it  to  the  wife  of 

vol.  vii.  Appendix,  pp.  74-5.  the  author. 

Some  years  ago  was  found  in  the  Who  were  the  Elder's  indented 

garden  of  this  farm,  a  small  silver  servants,  we  know  not ;  but  in  the 

.spoon, bearing  the  initials  "I.  B."  year  1636,  we  find  his  record: 

Being  valued  as  an  ancient  relic  "  Sold  to  Jonathan  Brewster,  as 

-of  the  Brewster  name,  Mr.  M.  servant,  J.  Bundy,  for  five  years." 

Soule,  the  present  owner  of  the  4  Winsor's  Duxbury. 


GOVERNOR  WINTHROP'S  VISIT  ;  SACRAMENT.   355 

devoted  to  reading  and  study,  as  well  as  to  medi 
tation  arid  devotion.  His  principal  residence  was 
yet  in  Plymouth. 

We  now  turn  to  another  incident  of  which  we 
have  particular  record.  In  a  former  chapter,  on 
the  visit  of  De  Easieres,  the  secretary  of  the 
Dutch  colony  to  New  Plymouth,  we  had  a  view  of 
the  assembling  of  the  pilgrim  congregation  on  the 
Sabbath  morning,  and  their  marching  in  order  to 
their  place  of  worship  on  Fort  Hill.  We  now 
have  an  opportunity  to  take  an  observation  within 
(probably  in  the  same  place),  and  to  notice  some 
particulars  of  their  mode  of  teaching,  and  order 
of  worship. 

It  was  on  the  occasion  of  a  visit  from  the  gover 
nor  of  the  Massachusetts  colony  to  the  governor 
and  chief  men  of  the  Plymouth  colony;  and  the 
account  of  it  is  from  Governor  Winthrop  himself. 

"On  Thursday,  October  25th,  1632,  came 
Governor  Winthrop,  with  Mr.  Wilson,  pastor  of 
Boston,  and  other  friends,  to  Plymouth.  Governor 
Bradford,  with  William  Brewster,  their  ruling 
elder,  and  some  others,  came  forth  to  meet  us 
without  the  town."  "  They  conducted  us  to  the 
governor's  house,  where  we  are  entertained  to 
gether,  and  are  feasted  each  day  at  several  houses." 
"  On  the  Lord's  day  was  the  Sacrament,  in  which 
we  partook.  In  the  afternoon,  Mr.  Roger  Wil 
liams  proposes  a  question;  Mr.  Smith,  their  pas 
tor,  speaks  briefly  upon  it ;  and  then  Mr.  Williams 
prophesies  (that  is,  explains) ;  afterwards,  the 


356  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

governor  of  Plymouth  (who  had  studied  the  He 
brew  and  antiquities),  speaks  on  the  question." 
"  After  him,  Elder  Brewster  (a  man  of  learning) 
speaks;  then  two  or  three  of  the  congregation." 
"  Then  the  Elder  desires  Governor  "Winthrop  and 
Mr.  Wilson  to  speak  on  the  same,  which  they  did.5 
This  ended,  the  deacon,  Mr.  Fuller,6  puts  the  con 
gregation  in  mind  of  the  duty  of  contributing  for 
the  poor,  and  the  support  of  public  worship,  when 
the  governor,  and  all  the  others,  go  to  the  deacon's 
seat,  deposit  their  gifts,  and  return.  After  which, 
the  exercises  are  brought  to  a  close."7 

The  peculiarity  in  this  public  speaking,  one 
after  another,  by  members  of  their  church,  says 
Prince,  "  they  had  from  Mr.  Robinson,  their  for 
mer  pastor,  in  Leyden,  founded  on  the  primitive 
practice  of  the  church  at  Corinth,  according  to  St. 
Paul.  But,  growing  in  knowledge,  and,  I  suppose 
(says  he),  in  the  apprehension  that  such  a  practice 
was  peculiarly  accommodated  to  the  age  of  inspi 
ration,  to  which  they  never  pretended,  they  after 
wards  gradually  lay  it  aside." 

Should  it  seem  to  be  entering  into  particulars 
too  minutely  to  introduce  here  those  apparently 
small  matters,  and  some  others  that  may  follow, 
the  remark  may  be  met  by  that  maxim,  worthy  of 
being  kept  in  mind :  "  That  small  things  in  the 
beginnings  of  communities,  civil  or  ecclesiastical, 

5  Alluding  to  Acts  xiii.  14,15.  7  Prince,  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  2d 

6  Mr.  Fuller  was  the  physician    series,  vol.  7th,  appen.,  70,  71. 
of  the  colony. 


SMALL  THINGS  IMPORTANT;  FRENCH  INTRUSION.    357 

are  of  far  higher  importance,  and  more  worthy  of 
note,  having  more  influence  in  after  times,  than  far 
greater  matters,  when  a  people  or  nation  has  be 
come  established."  What  the  influence  of  prece 
dent  is  in  legislation,  such  is  the  influence  of  even 
small  acts  or  habits  adopted  in  the  origin  of  a 
people.  They  often  form  the  peculiarities  or 
habits  in  after  generations,  even  when  the  origin 
of  them  has  been  forgotten,  or  the  original  prac 
tice  has  been  discontinued. 

While  the  chief  men  of  the  older  and  of  the 
younger  colony  were  thus  cultivating  friendly 
feelings  and  relations,  and  consulting  on  matters 
of  deep  interest  to  them  both,  events  were  trans 
piring  on  their  northern  borders,  in  England,  and 
on  the  continent,  causing  many  anxious  thoughts 
and  fears. 

On  their  northern  borders,  the  king  and  court 
of  England  had,  by  a  late  treaty  with  France, 
given  up  to  that  power  the  Canadas,  including 
also  Nova  Scotia,  Port  Royal,  and  Cape  Breton. 
These  portions  of  the  New  World,  most  valuable 
for  trade,  fisheries,  and  naval  stores,  were  thus 
yielded  up,  merely  to  settle  the  question  respect 
ing  one-half  of  the  queen's  dowry. 

One  of  the  sad  fruits  of  these  proceedings  to  the 
Plymouth  people,  was  the  treacherous  robbery  of 
their  trading  post  at  Penobscot.  Under  pretence 
of  distress,  and  for  repairs,  a  French  vessel  put  in 
at  that  place.  Finding  that  the  chief  men  of  the 
post  were  absent,  and  only  three  or  four  servant 


358  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETVSTER. 

men  left  in  charge,  the  Frenchmen,  violating  all 
the  principles  of  hospitality,  with  the  greatest  ap 
parent  politeness,  commenced  by  admiring  the 
arms,  and  the  manner  in  which  they  were  arranged, 
asking  if  they  were  loaded ;  then,  taking  them 
down  from  their  places,  they  threatened  death  to  the 
abashed  servants  if  they  resisted,  and  compelled 
them  to  help  to  carry  on  board  the  vessel  the  goods, 
beaver,  and  stores,  amounting  to  500  pounds  ster 
ling  ;  and  then  left  with  a  taunting  message  for 
the  Plymouth  owners,  among  whom  was  the  Elder. 
To  all  of  them  it  was  a  sore  loss  and  hindrance  in 
payment  of  their  assumed  responsibilities.8 

Turning  to  England,  the  agitating  and  absorbing 
theme  still  was,  the  contest  between  the  King  and 
royalist  party  on  the  one  side,  and  the  Parlia 
ment  and  their  supporters  on  the  other.  In  this 
contest,  the  minds  of  all  were  becoming  more  and 
more  involved,  and  the  opposite  parties  more  and 
more  alienated.  Prejudices  and  passions  on  both 
sides  arousing  the  strongest  elements  of  man's 
nature,  caused  some  to  gird  themselves  the  more 
resolutely  for  the  contest,  and  others  to  escape 
from  it  to  the  new  colonies,  to  build  new  states ; 
notwithstanding  the  efforts  of  the  government  to 
prevent  it.  Many,  therefore,  were  the  hopes  and 
fears,  of  the  effects  on  the  new  settlements. 

On  the  continent,  especially  in  Germany,  and 
even  to  the  borders  of  Holland,  under  the  protec- 

8  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  2d  series,  vii.  Appen.  62;  connected  with  the 
general  history  of  the  times. 


SYMPATHIES  WITH  OCCURRENCES  IN  EUROPE.    359 

tion  of  which  the  pilgrim  band  had  passed  so  many 
years,  and  where  yet  were  not  a  few  of  their  dear 
friends,  had  ruthless  wars  against  human  rights, 
liberty  of  conscience,  and  of  the  Protestant  cause, 
been  again  raging  with  overwhelming  power  and 
awful  cruelties. 

Again,  and  avowedly,  had  it  been  the  purpose  of 
the  Emperor,  Ferdinand  II.,  and  his  general-in- 
chief,  Count  Tilly,  as  it  before  had  been  that  of 
Philip  II.,  of  Spain,  to  exterminate  the  Protestant 
power,  drive  its  adherents  from  the  continent,  or 
force  them  to  renounce  their  faith. 

In  their  distressed  and  weakened  state,  Gustavus 
Adolphus  had  come  forth  from  Sweden,  with  his 
small  but  heroic  army,  to  their  rescue.  With  a 
rapidity  almost  incredible,  he  had  met  and  routed, 
in  battle  after  battle,  the  Emperor's  veteran  forces, 
and  their  great  commander ;  until  he  had  restored 
nearly  the  whole  of  Central  Germany  to  their 
rights,  and  liberty  to  worship  God,  whether  Catho 
lics  or  Protestants,  in  the  way  which  they  should 
choose.  He  was  hailed  everywhere  by  the  Pro 
testants,  as,  under  the  Divine  Hand,  the  great 
deliverer  of  their  country.  Thus  proceeding,  he 
proclaimed  wherever  he  came  liberty  of  conscience 
and  of  worship  to  all,  Catholics  and  Protestants ; 
making  no  distinction,  his  maxims  being,  "  Every 
one  is  orthodox  who  conforms  to  the  laws ;"  and 
"  that  to  keep  men  from  going  to  hell  was  not  the 
calling  of  princes,  but  that  of  the  ministers  of 
religion." 


360  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

On  taking  a  Catholic  town,  to  those  who  would 
induce  him  to  treat  its  burghers  with  harshness, 
his  answer  was :  "  I  am  come  to  loosen,  not  to 
rivet  afresh  the  fetters  of  bondage.  Let  them  live 
as  they  have  lived  heretofore ;  I  give  no  new  laws 
to  them  who  know  how  to  live  as  their  religion 
teaches."9  Progressing  thus,  victorious  over  the 
hearts  of  the  people,  as  over  the  arms  of  the  enemy, 
on  the  6th  of  Nov.  of  this  very  year  (1632),  in  the 
hour  of  victory  over  the  mighty  Wallenstein,  he 
fell  on  the  field  of  battle,  sorely  lamented  all  over 
Protestant  Europe,  and  even  in  the  new  colonies 
on  the  far  off  shores  of  New  England. 

All  these  victories,  as  well  as  thq  subsequent 
reverses,  were,  to  all  our  colonists,  matters,  next 
to  their  own,  of  absorbing  interest.10 

\Vhile  these  events,  of  so  much  interest  to 
them,  were  transpiring  in  England  and  in  Ger 
many,  trains  were  being  laid — not  only  for  bring 
ing  into  exercise  the  controlling  power  of  the 
king  and  his  ecclesiastical  advisers  over  the  colo 
nies,  but,  more  than  all  (and  what  these  colonists 
now  began  to  fear) — trains  or  plans  for  increas 
ing  the  French  power;  thus  threatening  to  make 
the  northern  parts  of  America  French  instead  of 
English — as  truly  French  as  South  America  was 
Spanish.11 

9  Kohlrausch's   Hist.  Germany,        »  Of  this   the  records   of   the 
337.  time  bear  full  testimony.     This 

10  This  is  evident,  not  only  from    led  to  what  was  here  colloquially 
the  history  of  the  colony,  but  from     called  the  French  war. 

the  volumes  on  the  subject  in  the 
Elder's  library. 


BEREAVEMENT;    ROGER  WILLIAMS.  361 

Passing  on  now  to  the  summer  of  1633,  we 
come  to  the  next  recorded  event,  personally  affect 
ing  the  Elder ;  it  was  the  death  of  his  daughter, 
Fear  Allerton.  She  had  been  married  to  Mr. 
Isaac  Allerton  about  seven  years.  Called  hence 
thus  early  in  life,  she  left  an  only  son,  Isaac  Aller 
ton,  jun.,  who  afterwards  became  a  resident  with 
his  Grandfather  Brewster,  and  was  probably,  in 
part,  fitted  by  him  to  enter  the  college  at  Cam 
bridge,  Mass.,  where  he  was  a  graduate  in  the 
year  1650. 

We  have  next  to  notice  an  occurrence  of  some 
historical  interest,  which  engaged  the  particular 
attention  of  the  Plymouth  church,  and  brought 
out  their  views  on  one  point  in  respect  to  one  of 
the  Christian  Sacraments. 

It  was,  to  say  the  least,  an  unpleasant  occur 
rence,  causing  differences  of  opinion,  and  no  little 
agitation  of  feeling,  in  the  Plymouth  company. 

Associated  for  the  last  two  years  as  teacher 
with  Mr.  Smith,  their  pastor,  was  one  Mr.  Roger 
Williams,  who  had  begun  to  advance  some  opin 
ions  which  they  had  never  entertained,  but  to 
which  they  had  been  opposed  even  while-  in  Hol 
land.  These  were,  the  extreme  of  separation  from 
the  Church  of  England,  "  pronouncing  it  sinful  to 
attend  its  worship,  or  have  with  it  any  fellowship ; 
also  renouncing  any  authority  of  the  magistrates 
in  matters  of  church  order,  and  advocating  a  dif 
ferent  mode  of  baptism,  and  some  other  minor 
points."  Finding  himself  opposed  in  sentiment 


362  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETVSTER. 

to  the  pastor  and  Elder,  and  to  the  greater  part  of 
the  people,  he  asked  to  be  dismissed  to  the  Salem 
people,  where  he  had  before  officiated.  The  sub 
ject  became  matter  of  public  discussion.  He  was 
a  man  in  many  respects  highly  gifted,  zealous, 
eloquent,  and  as  such  had  been  recommended 
from  highly  respectable  sources  in  England,  but 
in  some  things  eccentric,  exclusive,  and  extreme. 
As  might  be  expected,  some  became  attached  to 
him  and  his  views.  Asking  for  a  dismission  to 
Salem,  and  the  matter  coming  to  a  public  discus 
sion  in  their  church,  some  were  in  favor  of,  and 
others  opposed  to,  his  leaving.  The  counsel  of 
Elder  Brewster  was  called  for  in  the  emergency, 
and  given,  which  was  to  grant  the  desired  dismis 
sion,  grounded  on  the  considerations  that  Mr. 
Williams'  continuance  with  them  "might  cause 
divisions,  that  he  might  (as  he  feared  would  be  the 
case)  run  the  same  course  of  rigid  separation  (as  it 
was  then  called),  Anabaptistry,  which  Mr.  John 
Smith,  the  Separatist,  of  Amsterdam,  had  done." 
And  this  afterwards  came  to  pass,  as  the  Elder 
feared  and  foresaw. 

From  the  great  respect  for  the  Elder,  and  con 
fidence  in  the  wisdom  of  his  counsel,  the  Ply 
mouth  church  consented  to  Mr.  Williams'  dismis 
sion,  and  liberty  to  go  to  the  people  of  Salem. 

This  act,  with  the  remark  of  the  Elder,  has  by 
some  been  censured,  but  with  no  good  reason. 
Such  censurers  forget  the  maxim,  fair,  just,  and 
universally  applicable,  that  every  organized  body 


ELDER'S  COUNSEL  IN  ROGER  WILLIAMS'  CASE.  363 

has  the  right  to  dismiss  from  its  connection  any  who 
may  cause  division,  or  who  may  disagree  with  its 
standards.  Nor  was  it  uncharitable,  in  discussing 
the  subject  in  their  church  assembly,  to  give  the 
reasons  of  their  action  in  the  case,  especially  as 
the  dismission  was  asked  for,  and  was  attended 
with  no  personal  injury.  He  went  from  them  in 
peace,  with  those  who  chose  to  go  with  him.  The 
consciences  of  those  from  whom  he  differed  were 
to  be  as  much  respected  .as  his  who  differed  from 
them.  In  this,  the  action  of  the  Plymouth  people 
appears  to  have  been  blameless. 

As  to  the  treatment  Mr.  Williams  afterwards 
received  from  the  Massachusetts  colony,  that  is 
altogether  another  question,  one  which  we  are  not 
here  called  upon  to  discuss.  Had  the  only  ques 
tion  with  them  been  respecting  the  great  principle 
of  toleration,  for  which  Mr.  Williams  was  a  dis 
tinguished  advocate,  and  for  which  his  name  may 
deservedly  be  held  in  honorable  memory,  it  would 
be  easy  to  vindicate  him  as  being  in  the  right. 

But  when  we  take  into  account  his  extreme  and 
exclusive  views  of  separation,  his  uncharitable 
language  at  this  time  to  those  who  differed  from 
him  in  opinion ;  his  disrespectful  acts,  as  well  as 
treatment,  towards  the  magistrates  of  Massachu 
setts  ;  the  steps  he  took  to  change  the  rites  and 
church  order  of  that  people,  with  whom  he  was 
next  associated,  the  question  assumes  another  as 
pect.  And  with  this  statement  we  leave  the 
point  at  issue — favoring  neither  extreme. 


CHAPTER    XXXI. 

"  The  world  is  full  of  meetings  such  as  this, 
A  thrill,  a  voiceless  challenge  and  reply, 
And  sudden  partings'  after." — WILLIS. 

IN  this  year,  1634,  were  two  occurrences  in 
Elder  Brewster's  family,  presenting  a  strange  con 
trast  ;  yet  they  are  such  as  do  at  times  meet  in 
families  less  numerous  than  his :  a  marriage  and  a 
death. 

The  marriage,  the  last  in  his  family,  was  that  of 
his  second  son,  Love  Brewster,  on  the  15th  of  May, 
to  Miss  Sarah  Collier,  lately  from  England.  Her 
father,  Mr.  William  Collier,  had  been  one  of  the 
company  of  merchant  adventurers,  so  often  men 
tioned  in  these  pages.  He  had  not,  like  some  of 
that  company,  engaged  in  that  enterprise  solely  for 
purposes  of  gain,  but  from  a  good  motive,  and  to 
promote  a  good  work.  Nor  had  he  deserted  the 
cause  in  the  time  of  its  deep  depression  and  per 
plexities.  On  the  contrary,  he  had  continued 
steadfast ;  and  had  only  the  year  before  this,  come 
over  and  cast  in  his  lot  among  this  people.  A 
man  of  wisdom  and  experience,  already  had  he 
been  chosen  one  of  the  governor's  assistants,  and 


A  MARRIAGE  AND  A  DEATH.  365 

was  possessed,  probably,  of  more  property  than 
most  others  of  the  colony.1  The  marriage  of  his 
daughter,  with  a  son  of  the  Elder,  appears  to  have 
been  satisfactory  to  both  families.  On  the  Elder's 
part  there  was  a  covenant  endowment,  or  pledge 
to  the  bridal  pair,  that  his  house  in  Duxbury,  in 
which  they  were  to  reside,  and  one-half  of  his 
estate  and  lands,  should  be  theirs,  after  his  own  de 
cease.  With  such  prospects  did  the  young  couple 
commence  the  married  life.2 

The  death  referred  to  (and  how  near  it  was  to  the 
date  of  the  marriage  we  cannot  say,  except  that  it 
was  soon  afterwards)  was  that  of  his  daughter  Pa 
tience,  or  Mrs.  Prince,  the  last  daughter,  and  the 
last  female  of  the  Elder's  own  family.  Already 
bereaved  of  his  wife  and  his  other  daughter,  in  the 
loss  of  this  only  remaining  one  in  the  prime  of 
life,  he  must  have  felt  a  saddening  void  nothing 
earthly  could  fill.  She  had  been  married  (in  1624) 
to  Mr.  Prince,  who  is  this  present  year  elected 
governor  of  Plymouth.  She  now  leaves  to  his  care 
three  children,  daughters,  under  circumstances 
deeply  affecting  to  parent  and  grandparent.3  None 
but  those  similarly  situated  can  realize  the  feelings 
of  desolation  which,  even  cheerful  and  resigned  as 
the  Elder  usually  was,  this  additional  bereavement 

1  Brad.,  308,  and  note  ;  Baylies,         3  Prince,  Bradford,  and  Life  of 
i.  214,  and  Winsor's  Duxbury.          Gov.  Priiiee. 

2  Court  Record  of  this  date,  with 
that  of  the  settlement  of  the  Elder's 
estate. 


366  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

must  have  caused.  About  this  period  it  appears  to 
have  been,  and  under  the  impression  of  all  that  he 
had  passed  through  in  life,  and  perhaps  in  reference 
to  the  loss,  in  their  early  years,  of  these  endeared 
ones,  that  he  wrote  across  the  title-page  of  one  of 
the  Latin  volumes4  in  his  library  this  sentence, 
affixing  thereto  his  name  : — 

n 


It  is  the  Hebrew,  partly  translated  into  Latin,  of 
a  portion  of  the  4th  verse  of  the  144th  Psalm, 
Englished  thus : — 

"  Man  is  all  vanity ;"  and  the  same  is  illustrated 
in  the  words  that  follow,  "  His  days  pass  away  as 
a  shadow." 

Thus  bereaved,  the  Elder's  lingering  affections, 
though  greatly  weaned  from  earth,  would  now 
naturally  rest  more  upon  his  sons,  with  the  one  of 
whom  just  married  he  not  long  after  took  up  his 
residence.5 

We  have  at  length  arrived  at  a  period  in  the 
life  of  this  venerated  man,  and  in  the  settlement 
of  the  Plymouth  colony,  when  small  matters  may 

4  The  Harmonized  Commentary         5  Plymouth  Rec.  of  settlement 
on  the  History  of  the  Four  Evan-     of  his  estate  ;  and  Winsor. 
gelists,  in  the  library  of  Yale  Col 
lege. 


ACTIVITY,  MENTAL  ENERGY,  IN  ADVANCED  AGE.    367 

be  passed  by,  as  no  longer  affecting  his  position  or 
character.  And  after  mentioning  a  few  additional 
transactions,  we  may  draw  towards  the  close  of  our 
narrative. 

He  is  now  in  his  74th  year,  and  yet,  for  years 
to  come,  we  find  him  still  in  the  active  perform 
ance  of  his  appropriate  duties,  as  the  Iluling 
Elder  at  Plymouth  and  at  Duxbury — nay,  in  the 
whole  colony.  In  Duxbury  he  likewise  appears 
to  have  been  their  spiritual  teacher,  from  their  first 
organization  until  the  calling  of  their  first  minister, 
in  1637.6 

Nor  was  this  all.  The  dates  and  subjects  of  the 
volumes  in  his  library,  show  that,  even  at  this 
period  of  life,  his  thoughts,  reading,  and  investiga 
tions  were  not  confined  to  what  related  to  his  offi 
cial  duties  alone.  His  mind  took  a  wider  range. 
It  acted  upon  all  the  various  agitating  questions 
of  the  time,  not  only  respecting  their  own  colony, 
but  those  around  them,  and  in  connection  with  the 
Indian  tribes,  and  respecting  changes  abroad,  that 
required  corresponding  action  at  home.  Hence, 
with  remarkably  robust  health,  asvwell  as  mental 
vigor,  he  continued  to  be  the  wise  and  experienced 
counsellor,  the  conciliatory  medium  in  matters  of 
debate,  and  active  assistant  in  matters  of  legisla 
tion. 

On  the  appointment  of  a  special  committee,  for 
revising  their  former  acts  and  establishing  a  code 

6  Baylies,  i.  278,  and  Winsor's  Duxbury. 


368  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

of  laws  for  the  colony,  in  the  autumn  of  1636,  he 
was  selected  as  one  of  its  prominent  members.7 

Important  was  the  occasion  of  this  appointment. 
Up  to  this  period,  in  the  words  of  Judge  Baylies, 
"  The  Plymouth  colony  may  be  considered  to  have 
been  but  a  voluntary  association,  ruled  by  the 
majority."  It  "had  adopted  no  constitution,  or 
instrument  of  government,  except  the  compact 
signed  in  the  cabin  of  the  Mayflower."  That 
compact  specified  no  controlling  principles  but 
allegiance  to  the  King,  and  the  power  in  the 
majority  to  elect  such  officers  and  enact  such  laws 
and  constitutions  as  should,  from  time  to  time,  by 
such  majority,  be  deemed  expedient.  Scarcely 
had  they,  up  to  this  date,  availed  themselves  of 
their  delegated  powers,  under  their  patent,  to  enact 
laws.  A  few  laws  only,  and  such  as  were  of  the 
most  urgent  necessity,  had  been  established.  All 
matters  of  general  interest  were  decided  at  general 
meetings  of  the  whole,  called  courts^  in  which  the 
governor  presided.  These  courts  decided  matters 
judicially,  except  when  committed  to  a  jury.  With 
the  acknowledged  royal  authority,  there  appears 
to  have  been,  tacitly,  a  general  acknowledgment 
of  that  of  the  laws  of  England  in  general,  but 
practically,  here  was,  under  the  King,  a  pure 
"  democracy."8 

Such  was  the  civil  rule. 


7  Felt's   Ecclesiastical  Hist.,  i.        8  Baylies,  i.  154,  241,  225,  227, 
290.  233. 


THE  STRONGEST  OF  ALL  BONDS  OF  UNION.        369 

But  the  fact  is  to  be  borne  in  mind  that  New 
Plymouth  was  settled  by  a  church.  At  first  the  ec 
clesiastical  government  had  chief  influence.  "  The 
power  of  their  church  was,  in  effect,  superior  to 
the  civil ;  but  in  terms,  it  was  confined  to  cases  of 
discipline,  or  the  infliction  of  censure  only,  or  final 
exclusion.  As  to  the  maintenance  of  their  min 
isters,  the  attachment  of  the  people  insured  that, 
without  the  coercion  of  law."  In  short,  it  was 
their  union  as  a  religious  society,  more  than  all 
else,  that  kept  them  together.  It  was  true  of  the 
Leyden  emigrants,  as  their  pastor  and  the  Elder 
had  said,  "We  are  knit  together  as  a  body  in  a 
more  strict  and  sacred  bond  and  covenant,  of  the 
violation  of  which  we  make  great  conscience,  and 
by  virtue  of  which  we  do  hold  ourselves  straitly 
bound  to  all  care  of  each  other."  Failings  they 
had,  but  what  colony  ever  had  fewer]9  In  this 
body,  after  they  left  Leyden,  through  all  the  first 
period,  the  Elder  was  the  centre  of  influence — 
the  guiding  spirit.  And  afterwards,  he  had  co 
ordinate  rule  in  effect  with  their  pastors. 

Such  had  been  the  state  of  things  hitherto. 
But,  in  the  words,  of  Judge  Baylies,  "  as  the  set 
tlements  expanded,  as  trade  increased,  as  strangers 
came  in  in  pursuit  of  gain,  without  any  reference 
to  the  ordinances  of  religion,  and  who,  regardless 
of  their  spiritual  good,  pursued  their  temporal 
interests,  the  authority  thus  founded  became  im- 

9  President  Dwight's  Travels,  i.,  Letter  xii. 
24 


370  LIFE  AXD  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRETVSTER. 

paired ;  the  selfish  principles  of  man,  interwoven 
in  his  system,  became  predominant."  "  Disputes 
would  occur;  wrongs  would  exist;  and  such 
authority  would  be  questioned  and  found  inade 
quate."  The  period  now  arrived  when  all  perceived 
the  necessity  of  defining  the  limits  of  the  power, 
and  prescribing  the  actual  duties  of  the  magis 
trates  ;  of  securing  the  civil  rights  and  privileges 
of  the  people ;  of  establishing  fundamental  and 
organic  laws,  civil  and  criminal,  and  of  providing 
for  their  execution;  thus  "placing  their  govern 
ment  on  a  stable  foundation."  This  was  the  im 
portant  work  of  their  committee.  This  they 
accomplished,  and  the  laws  which  they  proposed 
were  duly  enacted. 

The  first  Tuesday  in  June  was  made  the  legal 
day  of  election  of  governor  and  seven  assistants, 
to  "  rule  and  govern  the  plantation  as  prescribed 
by  law."  "  The  election  was  confined  to  the  free 
men."  To  be  a  freeman,  the  individual  must  be 
"  at  least  21  years  of  age,  of  a  sober  and  peaceable 
conversation,  orthodox  in  the  fundamentals  of  reli 
gion,  and  have  a  certain  ratable  estate." 

But  to  enter  into  particulars  respecting  the 
specified  duties  of  the  governor,  of  the  assistants, 
of  the  construction  of  their  courts  and  juries,  the 
choosing  of  inferior  officers,  with  their  duties,  the 
mode  of  legislation,  and  the  laws  enacted,  would 
be  foreign  to  our  purpose,  even  though  the  Elder 
was  one  among  the  originators,  as  well  as  pro 
moters  of  the  system  adopted. 


CIYIL  ORGANIZATION  COMPLETED.  371 

Finally,  it  was  provided  that  all  "  be  done,  di 
rected,  and  made,  in  the  name  of  our  sovereign 
lord  the  King,"  each  freeman,  as  well  as  officer  of 
every  grade,  acting  under  oath  of  fidelity  to  the 
King,  and  to  the  laws  and  interests  of  the  colony.10 

In  this  state  of  things,  the  Indians  around  them 
began,  ere  long,  through  their  influence,  to  adopt 
a  mode  of  government  in  some  respects  similar, 
and  to  follow  their  example  in  morals,  laws,  and 
judicial  courts,  with  the  proper  officers.11 

10  See  the  laws,  &c.,  and  Judge    parison  with    our   more  verbose 
Baylies'     Memoir    of    New    Ply-     forms : — 

mouth,  i.  227-240.  "  I,  Hihoudi,  you  Peter  Water- 

11  The   following  is    a   curious  man,  Jeremy  Wicket,  quick  you 
specimen  of  a  "Warrant"  issued  take    him,   fast    you    hold    him, 
by  an  Indian  magistrate,  and  di-  straight  you  bring  him  before  me. 
rected    to    an    Indian    constable,  Hihoudi." — Thatcher,  146. 
which  will  not  suffer  by  a  com- 


CHAPTER    XXXII. 

"  Learning  is  more  profound 
When  in  few  solid  authors  't  may  be  found. 
A  few  good  books,  digested  well,  do  feed 
The  mind." — R.  HEATH. 

DURING  the  next  seven  years — from  1636  to  the 
close  of  1643 — were  many  incidents,  in  which  it 
might  be  shown  that  the  Elder  had  a  personal,  or 
by  no  means  a  remote  interest.  Indeed,  so  inter 
woven  were  his  life,  labors  and  character  from  the 
first,  with  the  interest  and  progress  of  the  colony, 
that  whatever  concerned  that  concerned  him. 
But  we  pass  those  incidents,  to  notice  here  the 
position  of  his  remaining  family,  and  yet  more 
particularly  his  literary  acquaintances  and  associa 
tions. 

The  eldest  of  his  three  sons  had  become  one  of 
the  well-informed,  active,  business  men  of  the 
colony,  and  an  enterprising  agent  in  extending  the 
new  settlements,  and  in  opening  sources  of  trade, 
especially  on  the  yet  wild  shores  of  the  Connecti 
cut.  Again,  he  was  one  of  the  public-spirited, 
Christian  men  of  the  new  town  of  Duxbury,  and 
•one  of  its  deputies  to  the  colony  or  legislative 


SONg — JONATHAN,  LOYE,  AND  WRESTLING.       373 

court.  When  occasion  required,  he  was  a  coun 
sellor  before  the  judicial  tribunals.  In  after  years, 
he  held  yet  more  elevated  positions  in  the  colony 
of  Connecticut.  Removing  thither  near  the  close 
of  1648,  or  early  in  1649,  to  the  new  settlement  of 
New  London,  he  was  made  keeper  of  its  records,  a 
deputy  with  the  younger  Winthrop  to  their  colony 
court,  and  an  associate  judge ;  to  him  were  also 
committed  other  public  trusts.  Having  established, 
by  appointment,  a  trading  post  on  the  banks  of  the 
Thames,  on  lands  purchased  of  Uncas,  the  chief 
of  the  Mohegans,  and  thenceforth  called  Brewster's 
Neck,  he  there,  at  length,  resided  until  his  death, 
near  the  year  166 1.1 

The  next  son,  Love,  devoted  himself  to  the  cul 
tivation  of  the  paternal  acres  in  Duxbury,  forming 
there  (with  his  father)  a  family  home,  and,  as  far 
as  the  new  country  would  afford,  an  abode  of  com 
fort,  social  and  cheerful ;  and  where,  in  due  time, 
a  portion  of  the  estate  became  his  own  and  his 
children's  inheritance.2 

Respecting  the  other  son,  Wrestling,  of  whom 

1  On  this  tract,  lying  between  ing  the  place  have  been  exchanged 

the  Thames  and  the  Poquetanock  for  a  noble  monument,  erected  to 

Cove,  and  on  the  plain  near  its  his  memory,  and  that  of  his  wife 

centre,  was    set   apart   a  burial-  Lucretia — a   testimony  honorable 

place,  where   evidently  rests  his  to  the  descendants  by  whom  the 

dust,  and  by  his  side  that  of  his  work  has   been  accomplished. — 

wife,  surrounded  by  the  remains  See  Hist,  of  Duxbury,  of  New  Lon- 

of  their  children,  and  children's  don,  and  Conn.  Court  Records, 
children,  to  the  present  generation.         2     Plym.    Court    Records,    and 

Lately,  the  crumbling  stones  mark-  Winsor's  Duxbury. 


374  LIFE  AXD  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

there  are  conflicting  statements,  we  have  already 
spoken.3 

But  who  were  the  Elder's  literary  associates'? 
Among  such  the  mental  powers  are  most  developed ; 
mind  meets  mind,  thought  meets  thought,  culti 
vated  mental  energies  meet  correspondig  energies. 

As  had  been  the  case  in  England  and  in  Hol 
land,  so  was  it  to  some  extent  in  the  New  World, 
his  associates  included  some  of  the  able  men  and 
scholars  of  the  day. 

Among  such,  for  a  time,  at  Plymouth,  was  Roger 
Williams,  of  original  mind,  liberal  education,  a 
pupil  of  Chief  Justice  Coke,  eloquent,  though  er 
ratic  ;  but  of  whom  we  have  before  had  occasion 
to  speak  more  particularly.4 

The  pastor  at  Plymouth,  at  this  time,  was  Mr. 
Raynor,  educated  at  Magdalen  College,  Cambridge , 
ordained  to  the  ministry  in  the  Church  of  Eng 
land,  and  characterized  as  a  man  of  great  humility, 
worth,  and  piety.5 

Another  and  more  eminent  man  was  Dr.  Chaun- 
cey,  from  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  where  he 
had  taken  his  degrees  in  the  arts  and  in  divinity ; 
and  where,  for  his  attainments  in  the  languages, 
he  was  made  professor  of  Hebrew,  and  afterwards 
lecturer  in  Greek,  and  held  other  corresponding 
positions.  He  was  also  the  friend  of  Archbishop 
Usher;  but,  for  his  Puritan  tendencies,  falling 

3  Near  the  close  of  chap.  xxix.  6  Bradford  and  Morton. 

4  At  the  close  of  chap.  xxx. 


LITERARY  ASSOCIATES. 


375 


under  the  displeasure  of  Laud  and  the  High  Com 
mission  Court,  he  left  for  New  England.  Being 
solicited,  he  officiated  for  some  time  as  teacher  at 
Plymouth ;  yet  entertaining  opinions  decidedly  in 
favor  of  baptism  only  by  immersion,  and  unwilling, 
by  any  compromise,  to  continue  permanently  with 
this  people  who  differed  from  him  in  that  particu 
lar,  he  removed  thence  to  Scituate.  Notwithstand 
ing,  on  account  of  his  learning,  he  was  chosen  not 
long  after  to  the  presidency  of  the  New  England 
Cambridge  College  (now  Harvard  University).6 

The  Rev.  John  Norton,  who  officiated  also  for 
a  time  at  Plymouth,  was  a  scholar  of  the  first 
standing  at  the  University  of  Cambridge,  and 
curate  for  some  time  of  Starford,  Hertfordshire. 
Declining  a  fellowship  in  the  university,  and 
"  marrying  a  lady  of  estimable  qualifications  and 
character,"  he  came  to  New  England,  and  to  Ply 
mouth,  and  finally  succeeded  Mr.  Cotton  in  Bos 
ton.  That  he  was  a  writer  of  pure  and  elegant 
Latin  is  sufficiently  evident  from  his  Latin  treatise, 
on  the  questions  of  Appolonius,  for  the  divines  of 
Zealand.  Of  him,  as  the  author  of  various  other 
works,  the  church  historian,  Fuller,  says :  "  Of  all 
the  authors  I  have  perused,  none  to  me  was  more 
informative  than  Mr.  John  Norton,  one  of  no  less 
learning  than  modesty."7 

Likewise  the  Rev.   Ralph  Patridge,  who  had 

e  Baylies,i.  313,314;  also,  Felt;  7  Baylies,  i.  314,  315;  Mass. 
Bradford  and  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  iv.  Hist.  ColK,  2d  series,  vi.  640,  641. 
Ill,  112;  x.  31.  et  caRtera. 


376  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

been  for  twenty  years  a  minister  of  the  established 
ohtirch,  and  eminent  for  scholarship  and  piety, 
but  who,  for  non-conformity  (according  to  his  own 
words),  was  "hunted  like  a  partridge  upon  the 
mountains,"  fled  to  New  England,  and  was  now, 
during  all  these  years,  the  pastor  of  their  church 
in  Duxbury,  and  the  near  neighbor  and  associate 
of  the  Elder.8 

Such,  with  Governors  Bradford  and  Winslow, 
who,  though  not  educated  at  a  university,  were 
yet  men  of  extensive  reading  and  knowledge  of 
other  languages,  and,  for  that  day,  were  no  mean 
writers ; — such,  even  in  this  far-off  wilderness, 
were  some  of  the  chief  scholars  and  literary  asso 
ciates  of  Elder  Brewster.9 

But  that  we  may  have  a  further  and  more  just 
idea  of  his  own  attainments  as  a  scholar,  we  must 
examine  the  character  of  his  library.  A  library, 
procured  and  used  in  circumstances  like  his,  could 
be  no  untrue  index  of  his  mind.  Gathered  wrhen 
books  were  comparatively  scarce  and  costly,  and 
preserved  through  all  the  trying  scenes,  losses,  and 
deprivations,  to  which  he  had  been  subjected,  his 

8  Felt,  Winsor's  Duxbury,  and  ter  of  Gorges'   settlement,  "Wey- 
Bradford.  mouth,  "but  who  resided  at  Ply- 

9  We  have  noticed  the  earliest  mouth   about   a   year,   where   he 
literary  production  of  George  San-  wrote  in  1623,  and,  on  his  return 
dys  in  the  Virginia  colony,  and  to  England,  published  this  poeti- 
we  should  not  here  pass  unnoticed  cal  description,  the  translation  of 
the  first  classical  Latin  poem  on  which  is  not  worthy  of  the  origi- 
New  England  (Nova  Anglia),  by  nal.— See  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  i.  125- 
William  Morell,  Episcopal  minis-  139. 


SUMMARY  OF  THE  ELDER'S  LIBRARY.  377 

was  surely  most  creditable  to  its  possessor.  Por 
tions  of  it  appear  to  have  been  lost  on  leaving 
England ;  gifts  from  it  had  probably  been  made  to 
friends,  and  to  members  of  his  family ;  yet  with 
some  additions  from  time  to  time,  the  inventory, 
at  the  close  of  his  life,  shows  it  to  have  consisted 
of  over  four  hundred  volumes  ;10  a  choice  treasure, 
indeed,  to  the  colony,  as  well  as  to  its  owner. 

Yet  to  say  that  it  consisted  of  four  hundred 
volumes  gives  but  a  very  indistinct  idea  of  its 
value  or  character.  To  say,  also,  that  of  these 
four  hundred  volumes  sixty-four  were  in  Latin, 
with  some  in  Greek  and  Hebrew,  while  it  gives 
a  clearer,  furnishes  still  a  very  unsatisfactory 
estimate.11 

On  examining  the  works  enumerated,  and  sepa 
rating  them  into  classes  according  to  the  subjects 
of  which  they  treat,  we  find,  first,  that  of  the 
sixty-four  volumes  in  Latin,  &c.,  no  less  than 
thirty-eight  were  versions  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures, 
or  expositions  and  illustrations  of  them,  critical 
and  practical ;  and  of  these,  not  a  few  were  huge 
quartos  and  folios,  of  from  1200  to  1500  closely 
printed  pages  each.  They  were  such  as  Beza's 
Greek  and  Latin  Version  of  the  New  Testament 
with  Notes ;  a  work  appraised,  even  in  the  inven 
tory,  at  a  sum  amounting  to  $20,  present  currency ; 
Malaratus'  Latin  edition  of  the  New  Testament, 


10  Plymouth      Court      Records,     have  said  of  it,  only  adding  that 
book  Wills,  vol.  i.  53-59.  the  inventory  of  the  same  was  on 

11  And  this 'is  all  that  writers     record. 


378  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BRE^YSTER. 

and  Notes,  at  the  same  rate  of  valuation,  $24; 
Tremelius  and  Junius'  edition  or  translation  in 
Latin  of  the  "  Holy  Bible,"  including  also  Beza's 
translation  of  the  New  Testament,  with  Notes,  in 
all  nearly  1600  folio  pages,  $18. 

The  commentators,  annotators,  and  illustrative 
writers  were  such  as  Beza,  Musculus,  Peter  Mar 
tyr,  Erasmus,  Calvin,  Chrysostom,  Piscator,  Ste- 
phanus,  Scultetus,  Pareus,  Molerinus,  not  to  men 
tion  various  harmonies,  and  other  works  of  similar 
character.  Taking  these  into  view,  and  the  fact 
that  these  were  among  the  best  editions  and  ex 
positions  at  that  period,  and  that  there  were  yet 
very  few  like  them  in  the  English  language,  we 
are  enabled  to  form  some  distinct  idea  of  the 
Elder's  reading  and  acquirements  in  this  depart 
ment  of  Christian  literature. 

Along  with  these  were  other  Latin  works,  such 
as  the  Syntagma  of  Vigandus,  the  work  of  Pola- 
nus,  two  volumes  folio,  the  Clavis,  or  Key  to  cer 
tain  portions  of  Scripture,  by  Flacius  Illyricus,  in 
folio,  and  others,  illustrating  or  setting  forth  vari 
ous  points  of  doctrine ;  also  treatises  on  church 
order  and  polity,  history,  natural  philosophy,  and 
the  languages, 'giving  a  further  view  of  the  culture 
of  his  mind,  and  acquirements,  not  only  in  biblical, 
but  other  various  departments. 

And  we  are  to  add  to  these,  next,  the  three 
hundred  and  forty  volumes  or  treatises  in  the 
English  language.  Of  the  English  works,  nearly 
sixty  volumes  were  large  folios  and  quartos,  and  of 


BOOKS;  LITERARY  CHARACTERISTICS  OF  THE  AGE.       379 

like  class  and  character  with  those  which  we  have 
just  noticed  in  Latin,  such  as  the  Refutation  of 
the  Remish  Translation  of  the  New  Testament, 
published  by  himself,  in  some  1600  pages  folio, 
with  kindred  works  in  divinity,  systematic  and 
practical;  also  controversies  with  the  Roman 
Church;  discussions  on  the  Reformation ;  on  the 
controversies  of  the  times  in  England  and  Hol 
land;  on  toleration,  controversies  between  them 
selves  and  the  extreme  separatists;  church  and 
civil  history,  philosophy,  advancement  of  learning, 
views  of  the  times,  doings  at  court  and  in  Parlia 
ment,  with  numerous  other  writings  of  the  clay, 
civil,  religious,  devotional,  political,  and  colonial, 
as  well  as  those  pertaining  to  the  arts,  trade,  and 
every-day  life.  Such  is  a  very  brief  view  of  his 
library.12 

It  was  at  a  time,  too,  when  English  literature 
was  acquiring  character,  and  making  a  rapid  ad 
vance  on  a  broad  and  solid  basis.  The  English 
mind  was  breaking  loose  from  the  fetters  of  arbi 
trary  systems,  and  the  dominant  power  of  half 
civilized  customs,  and  struggling  forth  into  the 
open  fields,  not  only  of  adventure,  but  of  original 

12  It  had  been  designed  to  place  of  those  identical  volumes  which 

the  entire  inventory  of  the  Elder's  he  possessed  can  now  be  discover- 

library  in  the  appendix  ;  but  the  ed.     The  principal  one  which  the 

additional  expense  it  would  occa-  writer  has  seen,  is  in  the  library 

sion,  and  the  difficulty  in  ascer-  of  Yale  College,  with  the  Elder's 

taining  the  true  titles  of  some  of  name,  written  with  his  own  hand, 

the  works,  will  prevent  the  exe-  across  the  title  page,  as  we  have 

cution  of  that  design.     Very  few  before  mentioned. 


380  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

investigation  and  discovery  in  science  and  arts, 
and  of  discussion  of  principles  of  government  and 
law.  Pre-eminent  among  original  thinkers  Bacon 
arose,  a  sun  in  the  firmament  of  science  and  lite 
rature,  to  send  forth,  with  some  darkening  shades, 
its  enlightening  and  expanding  beams  over  all 
succeeding  ages. 

Of  his  works,  valuable  portions  were  in  the 
Elder's  library,  occupying  evidently  a  share  of  his 
thoughts  and  meditations.  And  if,  at  such  a 
period,  and  amidst  such  workings  of  mind,  ex 
tremes  and  extravagancies  sometimes  followed, 
and  errors  were  committed,  it  can  be  no  matter  of 
wonder;  it  would  be  something  above  human 
were  it  otherwise.  They  were  explorers,  prepar 
ing  the  way  for  others. 

Subsequent  periods  have  brought  forth  works 
in  all  departments  of  science,  law,  government, 
divinity,  history,  poetry,  fiction,  such  as  have 
become  the  glory  of  the  English  name,  but  the 
chief  beginnings  were  in  the  age  of  which  we  are 
speaking. 


CHAPTER    XXXIII. 


The  soul,  immortal  as  its  sire, 

Shall  never  die.  MONTGOMERY. 


WE  now  approach  the  close  of  Elder  Brewster's 
long  and  not  uneventful  life.  His  last  years  were 
passed  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  high  esteem  and 
reverential  regard  of  the  whole  colony — nay,  of 
all  the  colonies.  His  was  also  the  blessing  of 
remarkable  health,  kept  up  to  the  last  by  tempe 
rate  habits,  continued  mental  exercise,  active 
industry,  and  even  labor  in  the  fields. 

His  closing  years  were  marked  by  great  serenity 
and  peace.  Eventful  and  agitating  as  had  been 
the  scenes  through  which  he  had  passed,  and  fear 
ful  as  were  the  prospects  abroad  of  the  future,  he 
ever  trusted  in  God,  and  was  not  dismayed. 

He  had  seen  forty  years  in  the  sixteenth  century, 
and  forty-three,  at  least,  in  the  seventeenth ;  and 
had  thus  witnessed  nearly  three  long  and  most 
remarkable  reigns  of  English  sovereigns,  and  their 
memorable  acts.  In  the  times  of  Elizabeth,  the 
period  of  great  men,  of  thrilling  events,  and  heroic 
deeds,  he  received  his  early  training.  Through 
alternate  periods  of  peace,  and  of  trials,  public  and 


382  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

private,  in  his  own  country  and  in  Holland,  his 
mental  energies  had.  been  matured.  In  this 
western  world,*  through  suffering  and  endurance 
that  passed  description,  he  had  lived  to  see  a 
Christian  colony  planted;  the  savage  foe  to  a  large 
extent  appeased,  conciliated,  and  in  several  cases 
encouragingly  influenced  by  Christian  instruction 
and  example.  From  that  one  poor  settlement  had 
others  arisen,  now  numbering  eight  towns.  Instead 
of  one  small  church,  he  could  now  behold  eight 
Christian  folds,  with  their  pastors.  In  room  of 
the  small  number  of  fifty  souls,  spared  through 
the  first  season,  were  now  eight  thousand,  with  a 
constitution,  established  laws,  and  a  government 
defined.  A  neighboring  colony,  first  encouraged 
by  its  example,  now  rivalled  their  own;  while 
other  infant  colonies  were  rising  in  strength,  and 
already  uniting  with  them  in  confederacy,  for  pro 
tection  against  native  and  foreign  foes.1 

Along  with  their  churches,  he  had  witnessed 
the  establishment  of  schools,  to  be  the  glory  of 
New  England ;  and  not  only  these,  but  a  college, 
and  its  graduating  classes,  showing  their  purpose, 
that  freedom,  education,  and  religion,  should  go 
hand  in  hand.2 


1  Bradford,  416.  States.     Its  first  graduating  class 

2  Cambridge  College,  or  Harvard  took  their  degrees  in  1642.     Zeal- 
University,  first  named  after  Cam-  ously  sustained  by  nearly  all  the 
bridge  University,  England,  where  first  settlers  of  New  England,  it 
most  of  its  founders  had  been  edu-  furnished,  for  a  long  time,  most  of 
cated,  was  established   in   1638  ;  their  educated  men,  for  the  min- 
beiiig  the  oldest  in    the   United  istry,  and  the  other  learned  pro- 


LIFE'S  CLOSING  HOURS.  383 

Thus  could  he  look  over  the  past  scenes  of  his 
life  and  times ;  the  conflicts,  the  sad  errors,  as  well 
as  heroic  acts  of  the  age ;  the  faults,  as  well  as 
sterling  virtues  of  his  own  people ;  and  could  look 
forward  with  hope  that,  though  they  themselves 
had  "sown  in  tears,"  their  children  "would  reap 

in  joy." 

And  now  his  days  were  drawing  to  a  close.  Plis 
work  on  earth  was  done.  Not  sadly,  but  peacefully, 
and  in  the  full  possession  of  his  faculties,  his  spirit 
was  called  to  depart.3  It  was  a  privilege  to  mark 
the  closing  scene.  Interesting  particulars  come  to 
us  from  one  evidently  present,  and  who  had  been 
his  junior  companion  for  nearly  half  a  century. 
Ci  I  am  to  begin  this  year,"  he  says,  "with  that 
which  was  a  matter  of  great  sadness  and  mourning 
unto  them  all" — the  "  death  of  their  reverend 


fessions.  The  Elder's  grandson,  confirmation,  also,  from  the  fact 

Isaac  Allerton,  was  here  graduated,,  that  the  Court  Records  show  the 

in  1650.  inventory  of  his  estate  to  have 

3  Bradford  gives  the  date  of  the  been  taken  on  the  10th  and  18th 

Elder's  death  thus :  "  About  tlie  of  May,  1644,  and  the  letters 

18th  of  April,  1643."  Morton,  of  administration  to  have  been 

secretary  of  the  colony,  wrote  in  granted  at  the  next  annual  meet- 

the  church  "  Records,  April  16th,  ing  of  the  court,  "  June  5th,  1644." 

1644."  Again,  as  to  his  age,  Bradford 

We  should  take  Bradford's  date  says  :  "  He  was  near  fourscore 

to  be  the  correct  one,  had  not  he  years  of  age  (if  not  all  out)  when 

himself  said  again  afterwards,  he  died."  Morton  writes  that  the 

"  He  died,  having  lived  some  23  or  Elder  was  "  aged  84  at  his  death." 

24  years  here  in  this  country."  As  Bradford's  words  indicate 

Now,  even  22  years  and  5  months  that  he  did  not  speak  from  exact 

would  bring  us  to  April,  1644,  as  knowledge,  and  Morton  speaks 

Morton  recorded  it.  This  latter  positively,  and  had  been  twenty 

date  seems  to  receive  some  further  years  in  the  colony  when  the 


384  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Elder,  and  my  dear  and  loving  friend,  William 
Brewster:  a  man  that  had  done  and  suffered  much 
for  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  the  Gospel's  sake,  and  had 
borne  his  part,  in  weal  and  woe,  with  this  poor 
persecuted  church  ahove  thirty-six  years,  in  Eng 
land  and  Holland,  and  in  this  wilderness,  and  done 
the  Lord  and  them  faithful  service  in  his  place 
and  calling."  "  Upheld  to  a  great  age,  notwith 
standing  the  many  troubles  and  sorrows  he  had 
passed  through,  he  had  this  blessing  added  to  all 
the  rest,  to  die  in  his  bed  in  peace,  in  the  midst 
of  his  friends,  who  mourned  and  wept  over  him, 
and  administered  to  him  what  help  and  comfort 
they  could,  and  he  again,  while  he  could,  recom- 
forted  them.  His  sickness  was  not  long.  Until 
the  last  day  he  did  not  wholly  keep  his  bed ;  and 
his  speech  continued  until  a  little  more  than  half 
a  day,  when  it  failed;  and  at  about  9  or  10  that 
evening,  without  a  pang,  as  a  man  fallen  into  a 
sound  sleep,  he  sweetly  departed  this  life  unto  a 
better."1  How  true,  in  such  a  case,  are  the  words 
of  Young — 

"  The  death-bed  of  the  just,  undrawn 
By  mortal  hand,  merits  a  Divine. 
Angels  should  paint  it ;  angels  ever  there. 
Dare  I  presume  ?     .     . 

Elder    died,   and   was   for   many  Church  Records  and  Court  Re- 
years  the  keeper  of  the  records,  cords,   compared   with  .Bradford, 
we  are  inclined  to  give  his  dates  408.  and  Appendix,  451,  and  Mor- 
the     preference.       Consequently,  ton's  Memorial, 
deducting  the   age   84  from    the  4  See  Bradford,  408. 
year  1644,  leaves  1560  as  the  year 
of  Elder  Brewster's  birth. 


HAPPY  DEPARTURE.  385 

.     .     I  pause — 
Is  it  his  death-bed  ?     No,  it  is  his  shrine. 


You  see  the  man  ;  you  see  his  hold  on  heaven, 
Sweet  peace,  and  heavenly  hope,  and  humble  joy 

.     .     beam  on  his  soul. 
What  more  than  human  peace  ! 
His  comforters  he  comforts  ;     .     . 

.     .     unreluctant  gives,  not  yields 
His  soul. 
Whence  this  ? 

His  God  sustains  him  in  his  final  hour ; 
His  final  hour  brings  glory  to  his  God  ; 
'  He  sleeps,'5  .  . 

.     .     In  Jesus  sweetly  sleeps, 
To  waken  at  the  resurrection  morn." 

Let  us  approach  the  place,  and  view  the  scene 
where  the  venerable  pioneer  passed  his  closing 
years,  and  where  his  immortal  part  took  its  de 
parture  to  the  "  spirit  land." 

North  of  Plymouth,  some  three  miles  by  water, 
and  nearly  eight  by  land,  is  the  picturesque  point 
or  neck  of  land,  extending  southerly  into  Plymouth 
Bay.  As  we  draw  near,  from  either  direction, 
there  looms  up  conspicuously  before  us,  the  noted 
"  Captain's  Hill ;"  an  elevation,  oval-shaped,  rising 
to  the  height  of  180  feet.  Ascending  this  hill,  we 
have  from  its  summit,  on  all  sides,  a  view,  which 
for  variety,  extent  and  beauty,  has  in  this  part  of 
the  country  no  equal. 

Far  away  over  the  waters,  eastward,  may  be 
discerned  in  a  clear  atmosphere,  skirting  the  ho 
rizon,  the  highlands  of  Cape  Cod.  We  can  almost 

5  Young,  Night  the  2d. 
25 


386  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

see  its  sickle-shaped  harbor,  where  the  pilgrims 
first  entered,  and  formed  their  compact ;  and  where 
for  five  long  weeks  lay  moored  their  sea-worn 
barque.  Nearer,  and  within  clear  view,  we  trace 
where  the  last  of  their  exploring  expeditions,  after 
coasting  the  whole  southern  circuit  of  the  Cape 
Bay,  approached  in  their  frail  disabled  shallop,  in 
the  raging  storm,  to  enter  the  waters  of  the  Ply 
mouth  Bay.  No  lighthouse,  or  fair  twin  lights 
were  there,  as  now,  on  the  "  Gurnet's  Point,"  to 
guide  them  inward  in  safety.  We  trace  where 
they  pressed  onward  amidst  fears  and  perils  and 
bare  escape  from  the  roaring  breakers.  Still 
nearer  before  us  is  the  memorable  Clark's  Islet, 
under  whose  lee  they  found  shelter.  Further 
south,  rises  to  view  the  green  point  of  Manomet. 
Nearer,  on  the  right,  is  the  outer,  and  next  the 
inner  Plymouth  Harbor,  where  at  length  the 
"Mayflower"  entered,  and  found  her  winter's 
moorings,  and  whence  these  emigrants  landed,  and 
built,  amidst  sufferings  and  deaths,  the  first  town 
of  New  England.6 

Returning  to  our  stand-point,  we  see  at  our  feet, 
including  the  hill,  with  all  to  the  right  or  south, 
the  lands  allotted  to  the  brave  Capt.  Standish. 

Descending  the  hill  a  few  paces  eastward  and 
midway  between  its  northern  and  southern  ex 
tremities,  we  have  full  before  us,  extending  to  the 

6  Of  the  beauty  of  this  landscape,  tion,  and  from  its  position  as 
an  idea  may  be  formed  from  the  marked  on  the  map  of  Plymouth 
annexed  view  of  its  eastern  por-  Bay,  p.  241. 


PLACE,  AND  ITS  INTERESTING  ASSOCIATIONS'.       387 

water's  edge,  and  around  northerly,  including  the 
so-called  "Nook,"  the  grounds  allotted  to  the 
Elder.  On  them,  prominent  before  us,  stands  a 
gray,  decaying  farm-house,  with  its  appendages ; 
not  that  built  by  the  Elder,  but  evidently  its  re 
presentative,  and  near  the  site  of  the  original.7 

Here  but  lately  had  been  the  haunts  of  the  red 
man ;  here,  in  full  view  of  scenes  that  could  not 
fail  to  bring  vividly  to  mind  the  past  of  their  own 
fresh  history,  the  Elder  passed  his  closing  years. 
Here  he  drank  in  more  and  more  the  spirit  of  that 
Word,  and  the  grace  of  that  Redeemer,  in  whose 
faith  he  had  lived ;  here  he  gave  his  last  counsels  ; 
here  bid  adieu  to  all  of  earth. 

We  draw  near  the  scene.  We  join  in  thought 
the  sympathizing  company.  The  death  of  one  so 
greatly  loved  and  revered  could  not  but  be  deeply 
felt  throughout  the  colony.  "  It  was  the  sorest 
loss  that  had  hitherto  befallen  them."3  From  all 
the  scattered  settlements  they  came,  testifying  their 
sense  of  their  bereavement,  and  accompanying  the 
remains  to  their  final  resting-place.  They  speak 
of  the  departed,  of  his  early  and  matured  piety, 
his  sound  learning,  his  acquaintance  with  men  and 
life,  from  the  peasant  to  the  court;  also,  of  his 
gentle  manners,  discreet,  calm,  social,  innocent 
life  and  conversation.  They  call  to  mind  his 
humility,  undervaluing  himself  rather  than  others; 
and  yet  his  firmness  of  purpose  and  unconquerable 

7  See  the  engraved  view  of  the         8  Hubbard,  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  2d 
old  Brewster  Place.  ser.  vi.  663,  664. 


LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

perseverance  in  what  his  judgment  and  conscience 
approved ;  how  he  shunned  no  responsibility  laid 
upon  him,  shrunk  from  no  personal  sacrifice  for 
those  with  whom  he  sympathized,  sharing  in  all 
their  deprivations,  and  yet,  withal,  manifesting  no 
repulsive  austerities,  no  spirit  of  dictation.  Their 
memories  could  bring  up  to  view  the  many  cases 
of  his  deep  and  effective  sympathy  for  those  re 
duced  to  want,  or  afflicted  or  oppressed.  As  their 
ruling  elder,  they  could  call  to  mind  his  mode 
of  government — firm,  yet  never  severe ;  and  his 
manner  and  ability  as  a  teacher,  affectionate,  per 
suasive  ;  in  effect,  powerful,  in  all,  eminently 
successful.  In  short,  there  could  be  but  one  con 
clusion,  peculiarly  fitted  had  he  been  to  be  their 
spiritual  guide,  in  all  that  they  had  passed  through.9 
With  such  reflections,  we  must  suppose,  and 
with  arrangements,  partaking  of  primitive  sim 
plicity,  they  accompanied  the  remains  in  long  pro 
cession,  winding  around  on  the  bay's  western  shore 
to  the  Plymouth  Burial  Hill.10  There  doubtless 
had  been  deposited,  more  than  seventeen  years 
before,  the  remains  of  his  beloved  wife,  and  sub 
sequently  those  of  his  two  daughters.  There,  too, 
in  years  gone  by,  in  the  basement  of  that  fort,  he 
had  led  their  devotions ;  there  his  voice,  now 
silent,  they  had  often  heard  proclaiming  the  life- 

9  See  Bradford's  Corresponding    from   several    expressions  in  the 
Historic  Reflections,  pp.  413,  414,     record   of  the    settlement  of   his 
Ul,  12,  412.  estate.— Vol.  i.  of  Deeds,  &c.,  pp. 

10  This  last  is  satisfactorily  as-     198,  199. 
certained  "by  necessary  inferences 


THE  INTERMENT;    AMICABLE  AGREEMENT.        389 

giving  word.  Now  they  were  performing  for  him 
the  last  sad  offices  of  love.  Few  were  the  rites  of 
sepulture.  No  monument  ever  marked  the  place  ; 
but  his  memory  remains  less  perishable  than  the 
adamant. 

The  solemnities  ended,  the  chief  part  of  the 
assembly,  with  the  "two  only  surviving  sons, 
returned  from  the  burial,  to  the  house  of  the 
governor." 

The  Elder  having  left  no  will,  different  views 
were  entertained  by  the  two  sons  in  respect  to  the 
division  of  the  estate.  At  the  house  of  the 
governor,  in  the  presence  of  the  ministers  of  Dux- 
bury,  Marshfield,  and  Plymouth,  and  of  the  present 
and  subsequent  governors,  Bradford,  Winslow,  and 
Prince  ;  also,  their  military  chief,  Miles  Standish, 
and  a  numerous  company — the  two  brothers, 
after  a  frank  and  friendly  statement  by  each  of  the 
entire  facts  of  the  case,  entered  into  an  amicable 
arrangement  for  the  harmonious  division  of  the 
estate  between  them,  "  to  the  great  satisfaction  of 
the  whole  assembly:"  a  matter  of  note  in  the 
colony,  and  an  example  of  peaceable  proceeding 
worthy  of  the  descendants  of  the  Elder.11 

11  See  settlement  of  the  Elder's  his  share  in  the  undivided  lands 
estate;    record    referred    to    last,  as   one  of  the  purchasers  of  the  , 
Though  a  minor  consideration,  it  patent  and  plantation  of  New  Ply- 
may  be  added  that  the  estate,  as  mouth.     In  addition  to  this  were 
divided  between  the  two  sons,  con-  his    books,    household    furniture, 
sisted  of  his  house,  &c.,  in  Dux-  farming  utensils,  and  cattle,  ap- 
bury,  with  one  hundred  and  eleven  praised  at  £150  OOs.  Id.  currency 
acres    of    upland,   besides   marsh  of  that  day. 
lands  belonging  to  him,  and  also 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 

I  like  most  its  history ;  for  who  understands  any  phenomenon  if  he 
is  not  master  of  the  course  of  its  development  ? — GOETHE. 

WE  have  traced  the  life,  and  taken  a  glance  at 
the  times  of  the  Pilgrim  elder.  We  have  gone 
back  to  the  period  when  he  was  living  and  acting. 
We  have  marked  the  surroundings  and  the  deve 
lopment  of  principle  that  influenced  the  man,  that 
moulded  his  character,  that  moved  him  to  act,  or 
led  him  to  endure.  Standing  as  at  one  of  the 
great  starting  points  in  this  portion  of  the  world's 
history,  we  have  viewed  men  agitated,  changing, 
yet  many  of  them  clinging  to  the  domineering 
sway  of  ages  past,  and  all  of  them  unconscious 
how  largely  "  old  things  were  to  pass  away,"  and 
equally  unconscious  what  were  to  be  "  the  new." 
There  standing,  we  have  viewed  the  instrument  or 
instruments  prepared.  We  have  seen  the  first 
movement,  as  "  a  little  cloud  gathering,  small  as 
a  man's  hand,"  even  over  Scrooby's  fenny  soil. 
We  traced  thence  its  course,  as  moved  or  forced 
by  winds  adverse  or  favoring,  from  England  to 
Holland,  and  from  Holland  to  this  western  world. 
Here,  increasing  slowly  at  first,  until  joined  by 


MARKED  PROVIDENCES.  391 

others,  it  at  length  spread  forth  far  and  wide  across 
this  entire  hemisphere. 

In  this  view,  we  have  marked  with  deep  reve 
rence  the  evident  providences  of  God,  traced  by 
discipline  at  every  point,  bringing  good  out  of  evil ; 
providences  which,  without  presuming  to  scan,  we 
gratefully  acknowledge  as  facts  standing  out  in 
bold  relief  on  the  pages  of  this  portion  of  our 
history.  And  we  mark  one,  and  not  the  least  of 
those  providences,  in  the  precise  period  of  the  pil 
grim  movement. 

Had  this  portion  of  the  new  continent  been 
thrown  open  and  taken  in  possession  earlier,  before 
the  Reformation,  how  unmistakably  different  would 
have  been  its  destination,  history,  and  character! 
Hither  would  then  have  been  transferred  the  rank 
growths  of  despotism,  and  ignorance  alike  of  real 
religious  and  political  rights  and  duties.  Hither 
would  have  come  the  debasing  maxims,  supersti 
tions,  and  corruptions,  which  degraded  the  fairest 
portions  of  Europe,  to  be  here  fixed,  we  know  not 
how  firmly  or  how  long. 

On  the  other  hand,  had  this  movement  been  at 
a  later  period,  when  the  demands  for  room  in  the 
Old  World  had  become  more  pressing,  when  the 
causes  and  facilities  for  emigration  had  greatly 
increased,  and  the  prospects  of  immediate  gain 
more  sure  and  tempting,  how  then  would  this  new 
land  have  been  flooded  with  the  inrolling  tides  of 
emigrants  of  diverse  nations,  races,  and  languages, 
of  opposite  customs,  conflicting  laws,  interests,  pre- 


392  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

judices,  and  institutions!  While  no  one  people 
would  have  been  here  of  enlightened  views,  and 
sufficiently  established,  to  quietly  receive,  and 
happily  mould  the  heterogeneous  masses  into  one 
united  whole. 

Or  if  some  conquering  power  might,  in  such 
case,  have  forced  its  sway  over  the  rest,  how  would 
its  arbitrary  dictates  and  military  rule,  instead  of 
the  mild  laws  of  this  Republic,  have  been  even 
now  going  forth  as  of  old :  "  The  King  and  our 
Council,  unto  all  the  people,  nations,  and  languages 
of  our  kingdom,  do  send  our  royal  decrees" 

Nay,  had  the  pilgrim  movement  been  even  one 
generation  later,  such  were  the  claims,  so  extended 
were  the  settlements  of  the  French,  so  strong  their 
chain  of  posts,  and  their  influence  among  the 
Indian  tribes,  from  New  Foundland  to  the  farthest 
lakes,  that,  instead  of  a  New  England,  as  now, 
this  would  have  been  an  Acadie  or  a  new  France.1 

But  what,  at  length,  was  the  special  purpose  of 
the  pilgrim  movement  ]  and  what  the  correspond 
ing  development  I  Here  is  historically  the  im 
portant  point  around  which  all  the  rest  centres. 

It  was  a  twofold  purpose,  as  the  facts  show. 
They  left  England  for  Holland  to  escape  persecu- 

1  For  tlie  grounds  of  this  latter  possessions.    Nor  was  the  struggle 

statement,  see   Bancroft,   or   Hil-  much  less  severe  on  the  part  of 

dreth,  at  the   period   mentioned,  the  Virginia  colony,  to  maintain 

As  things  were,  the  northern  Eiig-  itself  against  the  combined  attacks 

lish  colonies  were  but  just  able,  of  the  Indians  and  French, 
after  long  contests,  to  keep  their 


TWOFOLD  PURPOSE;    CAUSES  AND  RESULTS.       393 

tiou.  In  Holland  they  found  indeed  what  they 
thus  sought,  protection  and  toleration;  but  they 
found  there,  also,  after  twelve  years  of  exertion  in 
overcoming  difficulties,  that  they  were  but  an 
isolated  company;  and  what  was  more,  that  their 
posterity  would  evidently  soon  degenerate,  would 
lose  their  English  name  and  character,  and  become 
absorbed  in  the  Dutch.  This  became  to  them 
matter  of  profound  grief.2  To  avoid  this,  and  find 
an  asylum,  and  found  a  civil  commonwealth  by 
themselves,  in  some  unoccupied  portion  of  the 
earth,  was  the  immediate  design.  That  design, 
put  in  execution,  led  to  the  memorable  results. 

Already  had  they  chosen  and  become  accustomed 
to  be  guided  by  their  own  officers  in  their  church 
system ;  and  were  therefore  prepared  for  the  same 
course  in  their  civil  organization.  What  some 
few  enlightened  statesmen  and  philosophers  were 
speculating  upon  in  theory,  respecting  constitu 
tional  liberty  and  law  by  the  free  choice  of  the 
governed,  this  brave,  earnest-souled  people  were 
working  out  in  practice.3  Not  all  at  once  could 
the  problem  be  solved,  but  step  by  step.  Yet  as 
circumstances  favored,  they  had  minds  to  seize  the 
opportunity ;  therein  exercising  man's  right  and 
duty  under  their  earthly  sovereign,  and  in  unques 
tioning  obedience  to  the  teachings  of  the  Divine 
Word. 

2  Winslow,  in  Young,  p.  381 ;  liberal   views   in   France ;    Bacon 
and  Bradford,  24.  was  now  meditating  and  preparing, 

3  More  had  written  his  Utopia ;  though    he  never  completed    his 
L'Hopital  had    made    known  his  New  Atlantis. 


394  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREAVSTER. 

Before  they  crossed  the  ocean,  a  civil  organization 
under  the  King  was  clearly  in  view.4  But  the  first 
move,  the  germ,  was  in  the  compact  formed  ere  they 
landed  from  the  Mayflower.  Thenceforth  were 
its  principles  developed  more  and  more  ;  the  germ, 
planted  in  the  favoring  soil  of  the  New  World, 
became  the  tree ;  the  tree  in  due  time  sent  forth 
its  branches ;  these,  linked  with  others  of  kindred 
growth,  multiplied  and  spread.  Hence  the  deve 
lopment  of  this  broad  republic. 

Not  then  the  individual  man  merely,  not  the 
founding  of  a  little  colony  only,  is  it,  that  here 
attracts  the  attention,  but  the  germ  of  a  nation  ; 
the  rising  of  a  power  and  of  institutions  on  a  new 
and  wide  theatre,  which  have  changed  the  face  of 
a  continent,  which  seem  destined  to  affect  the  whole 
race. 

But  there  was  another,  and  in  the  minds  of  the 
pilgrims  a  still  greater  purpose  in  the  movement. 
It  was  to  found  their  church,  where  they  and 
theirs  after  them,  with  all  who  should  unite 
with  them,  might,  without  hindrance  or  danger 
of  a  degenerate  end,  worship  God  in  mode  and 
with  a  ministry  after  their  own  choice ;  and  also 
be  the  means,  "  though  they  should  be  but  as  step 
ping  stones  for  others  in  the  great  work,"  of  carry 
ing  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel  to  the  native  savage 
heathen.5 


4  Bradford,  p.  66.  specified  purpose  of  the  Virginia 

5  Winslow  in  Young,  382  ;  and     colony ;    and  the    same  was    the 
Bradford,  24.     This  was  also  the     case  in  the  other  subsequent  colo- 


DISTINCTIVE  CHARACTERISTICS.  395 

Here  was  the  chief  moving  cause.  For  these 
combined  purposes  especially,  they  left  Holland 
for  this  far-off  wilderness.  For  these  they  labored, 
endured,  suffered.  Brave  hearts,  earnest,  devoted, 
heroic  souls,  had  they,  those  pilgrim  fathers,  strong 
in  faith  and  hope,  thus  to  go  through  all  they  did, 
so  patiently,  so  perseveringly,  so  unflinchingly. 

We  say  not  that  they  were  without  faults ;  but 
who  had  less  ]  We  pretend  not  that  they  under 
stood  the  broad  principles  of  religious  toleration  in 
their  full  extent  and  clearness;  but  what  com 
munity  then  understood  them  better  ]  They  were 
in  advance  of  their  brethren  in  England,  much  in 
advance  of  what  was  afterwards  manifested  by 
their  sister  colony  of  Massachusetts,  with  whom, 
in  this  respect,  they  have  been  unjustly  classed.6 

nies.  In  this  work  the  Plymouth  croft,  truly)  carried  with  them  to 

colony  did  much,  but  chiefly  by  the  New  World,  the  moderation 

example,  counsel,  and  Christian  which  they  had  professed  in  their 

intercourse  within  their  bounda-  dealings  with  the  court.  There  is 

ries.  a  marked  difference  in  this  respect 

Some  five  years  later  (in  1549),  between  the  government  of  the 

was  organized  the  first  society  in  Old  Colony,  as  that  of  Plymouth 

England,  of  which  the  recorder  of  was  called,  and  the  government  of 

London,  Wm.  Steele,  Baron,  and  Massachusetts."  "The  pilgrims 

afterwards  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ire-  at  Plymouth  were  never  betrayed 

land,  was  for  a  long  time  the  first  into  the  excesses  of  religious  per- 

president ;  and  by  the  aid  of  which  secution."  "  Mr.  Anderson,  in  his 

the  two  distinguished  Elliots,  History  of  the  Church  of  England 

father  and  son,  as  well  as  others,  in  the  Colonies  (vol.  i.  pp.  453, 

became  successful  missionaries. —  454),  of  his  first  edition,  has  seen 

See  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  vol.  i.  pp.  fit  to  attempt  to  refute  the  remark. 

168,  226;  and  3d  series,  vol.  iv.  But  in  this  he  has  only  committed 

pp  161,  196,  200,  et  al.  a  double  injustice  in  consequence 

6  u  The  Pilgrims  (says  Mr.  Ban-  of  a  mistake  of  his  own,  in  con- 


396  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREAVSTER. 

"  To  judge  them  fairly  (to  use  the  words  of 
Prescott),  we  must  not  do  it  by  the  lights  of  our 
own  age.  We  must  carry  ourselves  back  to  theirs, 
and  take  the  point  of  view  afforded  by  the  civil 
ization  of  their  time.  Thus  only  can  we  arrive 
at  impartial  criticism  in  reviewing  generations  that 
are  past.  We  must  extend  to  them  the  same 
justice  we  shall  have  occasion  to  ask  from  posterity, 
when,  by  the  light  of  a  higher  civilization  (should 
we  not  say  Chris  tianization?)  posterity  shall  survey 
the  dark  or  doubtful  passages  of  our  own  history, 
which  hardly  arrest  the  eye  of  a  contemporary." 

Accordingly,  whatever  may  be  our  distinctive 
views  or  opinions  of  church  polity,  whatever  our 
estimate  of  some  of  their  peculiar  practices,  yet 
over  all,  and  above  all  sectional  or  denominational 
considerations,  how  much  is  there  in  which  we 
may  all  unite  in  yielding  to  those  fathers  our  high 
regard  and  veneration. 

founding  the  two  colonies  of  the  to  the  views  of  the  Baptist  per- 

Massaclmsetts  Bay  and  New  Ply-  suasion,  lived  with  them  undis- 

mouth."       "Should    this    notice  turbed :    except  such    as    openly 

reach  the  eye  of  Mr.  Anderson  (he  interfered  with,  and  would  subvert 

adds),  I  hope  he  will  take  pains  their  own  church  organization  and 

to  see  for  himself  the  error  of  the  order.     Strangers  and  visitors  of 

statements  which   his   misappre-  other    religious  belief,  were  hos- 

hension  has  led  him  to  make,  and  pitably  received  and  entertained 

prove  his  substantial   candor  by  by  them  for  months  together  ;  to 

the  correction  which  historic  truth  the  great    increase  of   their  own 

requires." — New  York  Hist.  Coll.,  deprivations  and  self-denial.    The 

2d  series,  vol.  iii.  close  of  the  Letter  restriction  was,  that  none  but  their 

on  the  Ley  den  Articles.  own  church  members  should  be 

In  the  Plymouth  colony,  persons  voters,  or  eligible  to  office  ;  though 

belonging  to  the  Church  of  Eng-  this  restriction  was  at  times  dis- 

laiid,  and  those  who  were  inclined  pensed  with  and  finally  removed. 


PROMINENCE  OF  THE  PILGRIM  MOVEMENT.       397 

We  trace,  indeed,  some  dark  lines  in  the  onward 
course  of  development  in  some  portions  of  their 
descendants — defections  from  the  humility,  unity, 
and  some  of  the  most  dearly  cherished  principles 
of  those  first  founders.  Yet  we  trace  also  as  cha 
racteristics  the  mighty  elements  of  energy,  perse- 
verence,  zeal,  with  an  unextinguished  impress  of 
their  religious  character.  We  trace  the  develop 
ment  of  most  valued  principles,  and  of  a  power  of 
expansion  without  limit,  along  with  institutions 
which  are  the  glory  of  our  land.7 

But,  finally,  the  movement  itself  stands  out 
prominently  before  us  as  one  of  a  peculiarly 
marked  character.  Many  were  the  enterprises 
near  that  period,  many  the  leaders  influenced  by 
various  motives,  for  the  founding  of  new  settle 
ments,  new  colonies,  new  states,  in  new  portions 
of  the  earth.  Not  a  few  adventurers  came  to  the 
stern  coasts  of  New  England;  but  of  them  all 
there  was  but  one  only  designated  pilgrim  band,  but 
one  Elder  Brewster.8 


7  Said  Burke  of  them,  in  their  successful  industry,  accumulating 

subsequent  development   in   con-  wealth  in  many  countries,  than 

nection     with      other     colonies :  the  colonies  of  yesterday,  than  a 

"  Nothing  in  the  history  of  man-  set  of  miserable  outcasts,  a  few 

kind  is  like  their  progress.     For  years  ago,  not  so  much  sent  as 

niy  part,  I  never  cast  an  eye  on  thrown  out  on  the  bleak  and  bar- 

their   nourishing   commerce,  and  ren  shore  of  a  desolate  wilderness, 

their  cultivated  and  commodious  three    thousand    miles    from    all 

life,  but  they  seem  to  me  rather  civilized  intercourse." 

ancient  nations,  grown  to  perfec-  8  This  is   not  only  true  in  re- 

tion  through  a  long  series  of  for-  speet  to  the  Elder,  in  the  eminent 

tunate    events,   and    a    train    of  sense   here   implied,  but   equally 


398  LIFE  AND  TIME  OF  ELDER  BREWSTER. 

Imperishable  is  their  memorial.  Theirs  were 
deeds  and  sufferings  which  have  laid  hold  of  men's 
feelings  and  sympathies  with  a  force  unrivalled, 
undiminished.  Though  soon  surpassed  in  num 
bers  and  wealth,  and  finally  absorbed  by  the 
younger  Bay  colony,  the  interest  in  this  first 
colony  remains  the  deepest,  the  prestige  of  Ply 
mouth  continues  pre-eminent.  Thither,  more  than 
elsewhere,  the  pilgrim  visitor  directs  his  steps. 
Where  those  pious  founders  trod,  labored,  prayed, 
he  pauses  and  reflects  with  a  more  than  classic 
interest.  "  To  abstract  the  mind,"  said  the  stern 
Dr.  Johnson,  when  standing  on  the  Isle  of  lona, 
"  to  abstract  the  mind  from  all  local  knowledge 
would  be  impossible  if  it  were  endeavored,  and  be 
foolish  if  it  were  possible.  Far  from  me  and  my 
friends  be  such  frigid  philosophy  as  may  conduct 
us  indifferent  or  unmoved  over  any  ground  which 
has  been  dignified  by  wisdom,  bravery,  or  virtue. 
That  man  is  little  to  be  envied  whose  patriotism 
would  not  gain  force  upon  the  plains  of  Marathon, 
or  whose  piety  would  not  grow  warmer  among  the 
ruins  of  lona  "  may  we  not  add,  or. amidst  the 
scenes  of  the  struggles  and  endurances  of  the 
Pilgrim  founders  of  New  Plymouth'? 

true  historically  in  another  sense.  Cushman,  not  being  chosen  until 

He  was  their  only  Elder  from  the  some  five  years  after  his  decease, 

formation   of   their   Society;    his  that    is,    in    1649. — Bradford,   in 

successor  at  Plymouth,  Mr.  Thos.  Young,  456,  and  Thatcher,  67. 


APPENDIX. 


APPENDIX. 


APPENDIX  No.  I. 

LIST  OF  PASSENGERS  IN  THE  MAYFLOWER ; 

Being  the  names  of  those  who  came  over  first,  in  the  year  1620,  and 
were  the  founders  of  New  Plymouth,  which  led  to  the  planting  of 
the  other  New  England  Colonies.  This  list  of  their  "  names"  and 
families,  was  preserved  by  Governor  Bradford  at  the  close  of  his 
History,  and  is  here  presented  in  the  order  in  which  he  placed  them. 
The  value  of  such  an  accurate  list  cannot  be  too  highly  estimated. — 
See  his  History,  Appendix  No.  1. 

Mr.  John  Carver — who  was  chosen  their  first  Governor  on  their 
arrival  at  Cape  Cod.     He  died  the  first 
spring. 
Katherine,  his  wife — she  died  a  few  weeks  after  her  husband, 

in  the  beginning  of  summer. 
Desire  Minter — afterwards  returned   to  her  friends,  in  poor 

health,  and  died  in  England. 
John  Rowland — man  servant,  afterwards  married  the  daughter 

of  John  Tillie,  and  had  ten  children. 
Roger  Wilder — man  servant,  died  in  the  first  sickness. 
William  Latham — a  boy,  after  more  than  twenty  years  visited 
England,  and  died  at  the  Bahama  Islands. 
A  maid  servant — who  married,  and  died  one  or  two  years  after. 
Jasper  More — who  died  the  first  season. 

Mr.  William  Brewster — their  Ruling  Elder ;  lived  some  twenty- 
three  or  four  years  after  his  arrival. 
Mary,  his  wife — died  between  1623  and  1627. 
26 


402  APPENDIX  I. 

Love  Brewster  —  a  son,  married,  lived  to  the  year  1650,  had 

four  children. 

Wrestling  Brewster  —  youngest  son.  (See  note  at  the  close  of 
Chapter  XXIX.)* 

r  Richard  afterwards  married, 
Richard    More    )   ™°     °^s.      i    and  had  4  or  more  children. 

and  Brother     f  placed  Wlth  1  His   brother   died   the    first 
)   the  Elder.     [  ^^ 

Mr.  Edward  Winslow  —  Mr.  W.  afterwards  chosen  Governor, 

died  in  1655,  when  on  a  commission 
to  the  West  Indies. 

Elizabeth,  his  wife  —  died  the  first  winter.  Mr.  W.  left  two 
children  by  a  second  marriage. 

!G.    Soule   married  and 
had  eight  children. 
E.    Story   died   in   the 
first  sickness. 

Ellen  More  —  a  little  girl  placed  in  Mr.  Winslow's  family,  sister 
of  Richard  More,  died  soon  after  their  arrival. 

Mr.  William  Bradford  —  their  second  Governor,  author  of  the 
history  of  the  Plymouth  Colony, 
lived  to  the  year  165T. 

Dorothy,  his  wife  —  who  died  soon  after  their  arrival.  Gov. 
Bradford  left  a  son  in  England  to  come 
afterwards  —  had  four  children  by  a  se 
cond  marriae. 


Mr.  Isaa«  Allerton  —  chosen  first  assistant  to  the  Governor  ; 
Mary,  his  wife  —  who  died  in  the  first  sickness  ; 
Bartholomew  —  son,  married  in  England; 

{Remember  married  in   Salem, 
had  three  or  four  children  ; 
Mary  married    m    Plymouth, 
had  four  children  ; 
John  Hook  —  servant  boy,  died  in  the  first  sickness. 

*  The  Elder's  remaining  children  came  over  afterwards  :  The  author 
proposes  to  publish  hereafter  a  full  Genealogy  of  the  descendants  of 
the  Elder. 


PASSENGERS  IN  THE  MAYFLOWER 1620.       403 

Mr.  Samuel  Fuller — their  Physician :  his  wife  and  child  re 
mained,  and  came  over  afterwards ; 
they  had  two  more  children. 

William  Butten — servant,  died  on  the  passage. 

John  Crackston — who  died  in  the  first  sickness ; 

John  Crackston — his  son,  who  died  some  five  or  six  years  after. 

Capt.  Myles  Standish — who  lived  to  the  year  1656  ;  chief  in 
military  affairs; 

Rose,  his  wife — died  in  the  first  sickness  :  Capt.  Standish  had 
four  sons  living  in  1650,  by  a  second  mar 
riage. 

Mr.  Christopher  Martin  and 

his  wife, 

0  ,  '  ,  ^  all  died  soon  after  their  arrival, 

bolomon  Prower ) 

[  servants 
J  ohn  Langemore  ) 

Mr.  William  Mullins,    -\ 

his  wife,  I  these  three  died  the  first  winter  ; 

Joseph,  a  son  ) 

Priscilla — a  daughter,  survived  and  married  John  Alden  ; 
Robert  Carter — servant,  died  the  first  winter. 

Mr.  William  White — died  soon  after  landing ; 

Susanna,  his  wife — afterwards  married  to  Mr.  E.  Winslow; 

Resolved,  a  son — married,  and  had  five  children. 

Peregrine,  a  son — was  born  after  their  arrival  at  Cape  Cod, 
he  cannot  therefore  be  numbered  among 
the  passengers  proper — married,  and  had 
two  children  before  1650. 

William  Holbeck  and") 

T.J       ,  —,  r  servants,  both  died  soon  after  landing. 

Edward  Thomson       ) 

Mr.  Stephen  Hopkins,  and)  both  lived  over  twent?  years  after 

Elizabeth,  Tris  wife  C  their  arriva1' and  had  a  son  andfour 

'  daughters  born  in  this  country ; 


404  APPENDIX  I. 

Giles,  and  )^  by  a  former  (Giles  married — had  four  children. 
Constantia  j     marriage.  (Constantia  married — had  12 children. 
Damans,  a  son,  and  )  ^^       ^          ^  marri 
Oceanus,  born  at  sea) 

Eehvard  Doty,  and  )  serv-  j  E"  °°ty  by  a  SeC°nd  marriage  had 

Edward  Litster       )  ants.  1    seven  children  '  after  his  tem  of 

*•   service — went  to  Virginia. 

Mr.  Richard  Warren — his  wife  and  five  daughters  were  left, 
and  came  over  afterwards.  They  also 
had  two  sons  ;  and  the  daughters 
married  here. 

John  Billington — he  was  not  from  Leyden,  or  of  the  Leyden 
Company,  but  from  London.  (Bradford  in 
Y— 149.) 

Ellen,  his  wife ; 

John,  his  son — who  died  in  a  few  years  ; 

Francis,  the  second  son — married,  and  had  eight  children. 

Edward  Tillie,  and)  i    ,1   j.  -. 

>-  both  died  soon  after  their  arrival ; 
Ann,  his  wife          ) 

! Henry  lived,   married,  had 
seven  children ; 
Humility  returned  to  Eng 
land. 

John  Tillie  and)  ,    ,,    -,.   -,  -,      ,, 

>•  both  died  soon  after  they  came  on  shore  : 
his  wife  j 

Elizabeth — their  daughter,  afterwards  married  John  Howland. 

Francis  Cooke — who  lived  until  after  1650  ;  his  wife  and  other 
children  came  afterwards ;  they  had  six  or 
more  children. 

John,  his  son — afterwards  married — had  four  children. 


PASSENGERS  IN  THE  MAYFLOWER 1620.       405 

Thomas  Rogers — died  in  the  first  sickness ;  f  Mr.  Rogers'  other 
Joseph,  his    son— was    living    in    K&OyJ      children     came 
married  and  had  six  j      afterwards,  and 
children.  had  families. 

Thomas  Tinker, 

wife,  and         J-  all  died  in  the  first  sickness. 
son 

John 
Alice, 


hn   Rigdale,  \  both  died  in  the  firgt  sickness. 
ice,  his  wife    ) 


James  Chilton,  j  both  died  in  the  firgt  gicknegs . 

his  wife          ) 

Mary — their  daughter,  lived,  married,  and  had  nine  children ; 
another  married  daughter  came  afterwards. 

Edward  Fuller,)  both  died  {n  the  firgt  gickness. 

his  wife          ) 
Samuel — their  son,  married — had  four  children. 

John  Turner, 

Two  sons,  names  not  given  ;  all  three  died  in  the  first  sickness. 
A  daughter  came  some  years  afterwards  to  Salem  and  there 
married. 

Francis  Eaton, 

Sarah,  his  wife — she  died  the  first  winter ;  by  a  third  marriage 

he  left  three  children. 
Samuel,  a  son — married  and  had  one  child. 


Moses  Fletcher, 
John  Goodman, 
Thomas  Williams, 
Digerie  Priest, 
Edmond  Margeson, 
Ilichard  Britterige, 
Richard  Clarke, 


These  seven  died  in  the  general  sickness  ; 
the  wife  of  D.  Priest  and  children  came 
afterwards,  she  being  the  sister  of  Mr. 
Allerton. 


406  APPENDIX  I. 

Peter  Brown — lived  some  fourteen  years  after,  was  twice  mar 
ried,  and  left  four  children. 

Richard  Gardiner — became  a  seaman,  and  died  abroad. 
Gilbert  Winslow — after  living  here  a  number  of  years,  returned 
to  England. 

John  Alden — "a  hopeful  young  man,"  hired  at  Southampton, 
married  Priscilla  Mullens,  as  mentioned,  and 
had  eleven  children.  • 

John  Allerton, 
Thomas  English. 

'two  seamen — are    commonly,  but    in 
correctly  reckoned  in  the  number  of 


William  Trevore  and 
—  Ely 


the  first  company  of  passengers  for 
the  Colony;  Bradford  himself  says: 
"  Two  other  seamen  were  hired  to 
stay  a  year  ;  *  *  when  their  time 
was  out  they  both  returned." 


Accordingly,  he  says  of  the  Mayflower  company:  "These 
being  about  a  hundred  souls,  came  over  in  the  first  ship." 
Afterwards  he  adds  :  "Of  these  one  hundred  persons  who  came 
over  in  this  first  ship  together,  the  greatest  half  died  in  the 
general  mortality,  and  most  of  them  in  two  or  three  months' 
time." 

Omitting  those  two  hired  sailors  who  returned,  and  counting 
the  person  that  died  and  the  child  that  was  born  while  on  the 
passage  as  one  passenger,  we  have  the  exact  number — one  hun 
dred  of  the  Pilgrim  Company,  "who  came  over  in  the  first 
ship."  And,  as  fifty-one  died  the  first  season,  this  enumera 
tion  makes  good  those  other  words  of  the  historian,  that,  "the 
greater  half  died  in  the  general  mortality." — See  his  Appendix, 
pp.  450,  455. 


PASSENGERS  IN  THE  SHIP  FORTUNE 1621.       407 


APPENDIX    Xo.   II. 

LIST  OF   PASSENGERS   THAT   ARRIVED,  AFTER  ONE  YEAR,  IN 
THE  SECOND  SMALL  SHIP  "FORTUNE;" 

Being  parts  of  families,  with  others,  left  in  England  or  Holland  the 
year  before.  They  arrived  at  New  Plymouth,  on  the  llth  of  Nov. 
1621. 

John  Adams, 

William  Bassite  (Bassett,  probably  two  in  his  family), 

William  Beale, 

Edward  Bompasse, 

Jonathan  Brewster— the  oldest  son  of  Elder  Brewster.     (See 

pp.  273,  372.) 
Clement  Brigges  (Briggs), 
John  Cannon, 
William  Coner. 

Robert  Cushman — for  several  years  the  Leyden  Company's 
agent  in  England.  He  returned  in  the 
Fortune  to  act  still  further  as  agent  for 
the  Company — was  of  great  service  in 
various  ways  ;  but  died  before  coming 
again  to  settle  in  the  Colony. 

Thomas  Cushman— sou  of  Robert,  about  twelve  years  old- 
came  with  his  father  in  the  Fortune,  be 
came  an  exemplary  man  in  the  Colony, 
and  succeeded  Elder  Brewster  in  the 
eldership,  in  1649. 
Stephen  Dean, 

Philip  De  La  Xoye  (.Delano), 
Thomas  Flavell  and 
Son. 

Widow  Ford  and  three  children — 
William, 
Martha,  and 
John. 


408  APPENDIX  III. 

Robert  Hickes, 
William  Hilton, 
Bennet  Morgan, 
Thomas  Morton, 
Austin  Nicholas 

William  Palmer  (probably  two  in  his  family),  • 

William  Pitt, 

Thomas  Prince,  or  Prence — married  the  Elder's  daughter,  Pa 
tience;  was  afterwards  Governor. 
Moses  Simonson  (Simmons), 
Hugh  Static  (Stacy), 
James  Steward  (Stewart), 
William  Tench, 

John  Winslow — brother  of  Mr.  Edward  Winslow. 
William  Wright. — See  in  Bradford,  105,  106,  and  in  Young, 
p.  235. 


APPENDIX    No.  III. 

The  following  is  an  alphabetical  list  of  those  who  came  over  in  the 
"  Ann,"  and  "  Little  James."  The  vessels  parted  company  at  sea  ;  the 
"  Ann"  arrived  the  latter  part  of  June,  and  the  "  Little  James"  some 
week  or  ten  days  later ;  part  of  the  number  were  the  wives  and 
children  of  persons  already  in  the  Colony. 

Anthony  Annable — afterwards  settled  in  Scituate. 

Edward  Bangs — settled  in  Eastham. 

Robert  Bartlett, 

Fear  Brewster,        J  d      hters  of  Elder  Brewster> 

Patience  Brewster>) 

Mary  Bucket, 

Edward  Burcher, 

Thomas  Clarke.    This  Thomas  Clark's  grave-stone  is  the  oldest 

on  the  Plymouth  Burial  Hill. 
Christopher  Qonant, 


PASSENGERS  IN  THE  ANN  AND  LITTLE  JAMES.     409 

Cuthbert  Cuthbertson— was  a  Hollander. 

Anthony  Dix, 

John  Faunce, 

Manasseh  Faunce, 

Goodwife  Flavell— probably  the  wife  of  Thos.  Flavell,  who 

came  in  the  Fortune. 
Edmund  Flood, 
Bridget  Fuller — apparently  the  wife  of  Samuel   Fuller,  the 

Physician. 
Timothy  Hatherly, 
William  Heard, 
Margaret  Hickes   )  the  wife  of  Robert  Hickes,  who  came  in 

and  her  children  )       the  Fortune. 
William  Hilton's  wife  and  two  children.    He  had  sent  for  them 

before  his  death. 
Edward  Holman, 

John  Jenny— had  "  liberty,  in  1636,  to  erect  a  mill  for  grinding 
and  beating  of  corn  upon  the  brook  of  Ply 
mouth." 
Robert  Long, 
Experience  Mitchell, 
George  Morton — he  brought  with  him  his  son  Nathaniel  and 

four  other  children. 
Nathaniel  Morton — son  of  George  M.,  and  afterwards  Secretary 

of  the  Colony, 
Thomas  Morton,  Jr.— son  of  Thomas  M.,  who  came  in  the 

Fortune. 
Ellen  Newton, 

John  Oldham — a  man  of  some  note  afterwards. 
Frances  Palmer — wife  of  Wm.  Palmer,  who  came  in  the  For 
tune. 

Christian  Penn, 
Mr.  Perce's  two  servants, 
"  Joshua  Pratt, 

James  Rand,  » 

Robert  Rattliffe, 
Nicholas  Snow — settled  in  Eastham. 


410  APPENDIX  IT. 

Alice  Southworth — (widow,  afterwards  the  second  wife  of  GOT. 

Bradford.) 

Francis  Sprague — settled  in  Duxbury. 
Barbara  Standish — i.  e.  second  wife  of  Capt.  Standish,  married 

after  her  arrival. 
Thomas  Tilden, 
Stephen  Tracy, 
Ralph  Wallen. 

Those  who  came  in  the  first  ships,  the  Mayflower,  the  For 
tune,  the  Ann,  and  Little  James,  are  distinctly  called  the  old 
comers,  or  the  fore-fathers. — See  Hazzard's  State  Papers,  I., 
pp.  101-103  ;  and  Young's  Notes  (p.  352)  of  his  Chron.  of 
the  Pilgrims. 


APPENDIX    No.   IT. 

At  a  general  Court  held  on  the  22d  of  May,  1627,  a  division  of  the 
cattle  belonging  to  the  Colony,  proportionably  to  each  share-holder, 
was  concluded  upon,  and  also  twenty  acres  of  land  to  each.  This 
division  being  put  upon  record,  it  is  believed  that  the  record  pre 
sents  the  name  of  every  family  and  person  then  belonging  to  the 
Colony  proper.  The  names  taken  from  the  Record  are  as  follows  : — 

Francis  Cooke, 
Hester  Cooke,  his  wife, 
John  Cooke, 
Jacob  Cooke, 
Jane  Cooke, 
Hester  Cooke, 
Mary  Cooke. 

Isaac  Allcrton, 

Fear  Allerton — his  wife,  a  daughterof  Elder  Brewster, 

Bartholomew  Allerton, 

Mary  Allerton, 

Sarah  Allerton. 


NAMES  OF  FAMILIES  AND  PERSONS  IN  1627.       411 

Cuthbert  Cuthbertson, 
Sarah  Cutbbertson, 
Samuel  Cuthbertson, 
Mary  Priest, 
Sarah  Priest. 

Myles  Standish, 
Barbara  Standish,  his  wife, 
Charles  Staudish, 
Alexander  Standish, 
John  Standish. 

Edward  Winslow, 
Susanna  Winslow,  his  wife, 
John  Winslow, 
Edward  WTinslow, 
Resolved  White, 
Peregrine  White. 

John  Howland, 
Elizabeth  Howland,  his  wife, 
John  Howland,  Jr., 
Desire  Howland. 

John  Alden, 
Priscilla  Alden, 
Elizabeth  Alden, 
John  Alden. 

William  Brewster, 

Love  Brewster, 

Wrestling  Brewster, 

Jonathan  Brewster, 

Lucretia  Brewster,  his  wife, 

William  Brewster,)  chndren  of  Jon   and  L  R 

Mary  Brewster,     ) 

Thomas  Prince, 

Patience  Prince,  daughter  of  the  Elder, 

Rebecca  Prince, 


412  APPENDIX  IV. 

Humility  Cooper, 
Henri  Sampson. 

John  Adams, 
Eleanor  Adams, 
James  Adams. 

John  Winslow, 
Mary  Winslow. 

William  Bassett, 
Elizabeth  Bassett, 
William  Bassett,  Jr., 
Elizabeth  Bassett,  Jr. 

Francis  Sprague, 
Anna  Sprague, 
Mercy  Sprague. 

Stephen  Hopkins, 
Elizabeth  Hopkins,  his  wife, 
Giles  Hopkins, 
Caleb  Hopkins, 
Deborah  Hopkins. 

Nicholas  Snow, 
Constance  Snow. 

William  Palmer, 
Frances  Palmer,  his  wife, 
William  Palmer,  Jr. 

John  Billington, 
Helen  Billington, 
Francis  Billington. 

Samuel  Fuller, 
Bridget  Fuller, 
Samuel  Fuller,  Jr. 


NAMES  OF  FAMILIES  AND  PERSONS  IN  1627.       413 

Peter  Browne, 
Martha  Browne, 
Mary  Browne. 

John  Ford, 
Martha  Ford. 

Anthony  Anable, 
Jane  Anable, 
Sarah  Anable, 
Hannah  Anable, 
Damaris  Hopkins. 

Richard  Warren, 
Elizabeth  Warren,  his  wife, 
Nathaniel  Warren, 
Joseph  Warren, 
Mary  Warren, 
Ann  Warren, 
Sarah  Warren, 
Elizabeth  Warren, 
Abigail  Warren, 
John  Billington. 

George  Sowle  (Scale), 
Mary  Sowle, 
Zacheriah  Sowle. 

Francis  Eaton, 
Christian  Eaton,  his  wife, 
Samuel  Eaton, 
Rachel  Eaton. 

Stephen  Tracy, 
Triphasa  Tracy, 
Sarah  Tracy, 
Rebecca  Tracy. 


414  APPENDIX  IV. 

Ralph  Wallen, 
Joyce  Wallen, 
Sarah  Morton. 

William  Bradford,  the  Governor, 
Alice  Bradford,  his  wife, 
William  Bradford,  Jr., 
Mercy  Bradford. 

Manasses  Kempton, 
Julien  Kempton. 

Nathaniel  Morton, 
John  Morton, 
Ephraim  Morton, 
Patience  Morton. 

John  Jenne, 
Sarah  Jenne,  his  wife, 
Samuel  Jenne, 
Abigail  Jenne, 
Sarah  Jenne. 

Robert  Hicks, 
Margaret  Hicks, 
Samuel  Hicks, 
Ephraim  Hicks, 
Lydia  Hicks, 
Phebe  Hicks. 

Moses  Simonson  (Simmons), 
Philip  De  La  Noye  (Delano), 
Experience  Mitchell, 
John  Faunce, 
Joshua  Pratt, 
Phineas  Pratt, 
Edward  Bompassee, 
John  Crackstone, 
Abraham  Pierce, 
Thomas  Clarke, 


EXTRACTS  FROM  WEBSTER'S  SPEECH  IN  1850.       415 

Clement  Briggs, 
Edward  Doten  (Doty), 
Edward  Holdman  (Holraan), 
llichard  More, 
John  Shaw, 
Robert  Bartlett, 
Thomas  Prence, 
Joseph  Rogers, 
Thomas  Cushman, 
William  Latham, 
Stephen  Deane, 
Edward  Bangs. 


APPENDIX    No.  Y. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  WEBSTER'S  SPEECH  AT  THE  PILGRIM 
FESTIVAL,  NEW  YORK,  1850. 

"  Gentlemen :  There  was,  in  ancient  times,  a  ship  that 
carried  Jason  to  the  acquisition  of  the  Golden  Fleece.  There 
was  a  flag-ship  at  the  battle  of  Actium  which  made  Augustus 
Ca3sar  master  of  the  world.  In  modern  times  there  have  been 
flag-ships  which  have  carried  Hawke,  and  Howe,  and  Nelson, 
of  the  other  continent,  and  Hull,  and  Decatur,  and  Stewart  of 
this,  to  triumph.  What  are  they  all,  in  the  chance  of  remem 
brance  among  men,  to  that  little  bark,  the  Mayflower,  which 
reached  these  shores  in  1620  ?  Yes,  brethren,  that  Mayflower 
was  a  flower  destined  to  be  of  perpetual  bloom  !  Its  verdure 
will  stand  the  sultry  blasts  of  Summer  and  the  chilling  winds 
of  Autumn.  It  will  defy  Winter.  It  will  defy  all  climate  and 
all  time,  and  will  continue  to  spread  its  petals  to  the  world, 
and  to  exhale  an  everlasting  odor  and  fragrance  to  the  last 
syllable  of  recorded  time."  ****** 

"  Gentlemen,  brethren  of  New  England,  whom  I  have  come 
some  hundreds  of  miles  to  meet  this  night,  let  me  present  to 
you  one  of  the  most  distinguished  of  those  personages  who 
came  hither  on  the  deck  of  the  Mayflower.  Let  me  fancy  that 
I  now  see  Elder  William  Brewster  entering  the  door  at  the 


416  APPENDIX  Y. 

further  end  of  this  hall ;  a  tall  erect  figure,  of  plain  dress,  with 
a  respectful  bow,  mild  and  cheerful,  but  of  no  merriment  that 
reaches  beyond  a  smile.  Let  me  suppose  that  his  image  stood 
now  before  us,  or  that  it  was  looking  in  upon  this  assembly. 
'Are  ye,'  he  would  say,  with  a  voice  of  exultation,  and  yet 
softened  with  melancholy,  'are  ye  our  children?  Does  this 
scene  of  refinement,  of  elegance,  of  riches,  of  luxury,  does  all 
this  come  from  our  labors  ?  Is.  this  magnificent  city,  the  like 
of  which  we  never  saw  nor  heard  of  on  either  continent,  is 
this  but  an  offshoot  from  Plymouth  Rock  ? 

"  Quis  jam  locus      *     *     *    * 
Quse  regio  in  terris  nostri  non  plena  laboris  ?" 

Is  this  one  part  of  the  great  reward  for  which  my  brethren 
and  myself  endured  lives  of  toil  and  of  hardship  ?  We  had 
faith  and  hope.  God  granted  us  the  spirit  to  look  forward, 
and  we  did  look  forward.  But  this  scene  we  never  anticipated. 
Our  hopes  were  on  another  life.  Of  earthly  gratifications  we 
tasted  little  ;  for  human  honors  we  had  little  expectation.  Our 
\  bones  lie  on  the  hill  in  Plymouth  churchyard,  obscure,  un- 
|  marked,  secreted,  to  preserve  our  graves  from  the  knowledge  of 
i  savage  foes.  No  stone  tells  where  we  lie.  And  yet,  let  me 
say  to  you  who  are  our  descendants,  who  possess  this  glorious 
country  and  all  it  contains,  who  enjoy  this  hour  of  prosperity 
and  the  thousand  blessings  showered  upon  it  by  the  God  of 
your  fathers,  we  envy  you  not,  we  reproach  you  not.  Be  rich, 
be  prosperous,  be  enlightened,  *  *  if  such  be  your  allot 
ment  on  earth ;  but  live,  also,  always  to  God  and  to  duty. 
Spread  yourselves  and  your  children  over  the  continent, 
accomplish  the  whole  of  your  great  destiny, *and  if  it  be  that 
through  the  whole  you  carry  Puritan  hearts  with  you,  if  you 
still  cherish  an  undying  love  of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  and 
mean  to  enjoy  them  yourselves,  and  are  willing  to  shed  your 
heart's  blood  to  transmit  them  to  your  posterity,  then  will  you 
be  worthy  descendants  of  Carver,  and  Allerton,  and  Bradford, 
and  the  rest  of  those  who  landed  from  stormy  seas  on  the 
Rock  of  Plymouth.'" 

THE    END.     -$ 


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